Non-members want group help

Workers who are not union members would like to see workplace problems resolved collectively, but not necessarily through unions, according to a TUC report.

What workers want from workplace organisations, drawn up by academics from the London School of Economics, is based on a survey of 1,300 workers, some union members and some not.

The workers were asked who they would want to help solve a problem at work. The union members tended to be happy for either the union or a group of fellow workers to solve most problems listed. But non-members tended to prefer groups of workers to resolve problems and would rather deal with management themselves than rely on the union.

The implication, according to the report authors, "is that while

they are favourable to collective action, they do not see the union as a particularly effective instrument."

The vast majority of both groups favoured legislation requiring management to meet with employees or their representatives on key workplace issues. But non-members were more inclined towards works councils than unions.

However, the survey found that a clear majority (62%) of non-members believed that "strong trade unions are needed to protect working conditions and wages". Fewer than a fifth think they have no future in modern Britain.

What workers want from workplace organisations, TUC, London WC1B 3LS, price £5.00 (trade unions), www.tuc.org.uk