Master's Theses

Document Type

Thesis - campus only access

Date of Award

Spring 1968

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Economics, Finance, & Accounting

Advisor

Jack McCullick

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to review the reasons for the stagnation of union membership, and to attempt to draw some sound conclusions as to potential union growth in the future. This thesis presented also present recommendations for new organizational approaches that are designed to unionize today's worker. The general reasons for current union membership stagnation was presented in Chapter II. These general reasons consist of such factors as automation, prosperity, federal legislation and others. This chapter pointed out that in studying such a topic as union membership stagnation, it must be done from a pluralistic standpoint. Although anyone of the factors presented in Chapter II is certainly a primary cause of the stagnation, it is the host of factors acting together that has contributed to the unions' inability to make sufficient gains in the organization of new union members. More specific reasons for unions' current membership status was taken up in Chapter III. Presented in this chapter was an analysis of factors such as blockades in the South to union organization, changing composition of today's work force, increasing resistance from private industry, and other specific factors for the current membership status of unions. This chapter also discussed the orientation of the white-collar employee with that of management, even though he may actually have no aspiration to be in management's ranks. Chapter IV was concerned with areas of union membership potential. These areas of potential union membership are essentially the same areas where unions have had little success in organizing, areas comprising the white-collar employee, the South, and the like. This chapter also included recommended organizational programs designed to aid unions in organizing today's worker. Conclusions concerning the future of American unionism made up Chapter V. The chapter was composed of answers to pertinent questions pertaining to the future organizational success of unions. The chapter answered the primary question which has been posed all through the thesis, i.e., the question centered on the unions' future success in their attempts to organize the modern employee. A final question that was also answered in Chapter V, and concluded the thesis, relates to the future of unionism when viewed as an American institution.

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Rights

© 1968 Galen Perkins Smith

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