Workers rate union presence

Having a union voice in the workplace results in a more positive work experience, according to a survey by professional and manufacturing union Amicus of 533 workers, 87% of whom were union members.

Respondents rated their jobs in terms of five criteria:

* a safe and healthy workplace;

* control over the working environment;

* secure and interesting work;

* fairness and dignity at work; and

* a trade union voice.

It found that, on every indicator, "those who have a trade union voice in the workplace report a more positive experience than those who do not".

The difference was particularly marked for how people felt they were treated, with 63% of those with a union voice saying they felt they were treated with fairness and dignity compared with just 44% of those without a union.

Also 48% with a union voice said they felt "in control of their working environment" compared with 39% of those without.