Union Bargaining Strength: Goliath or Paper Tiger?

Abstract

Union bargaining strength has declined signifi cantly in recent years. New problems, particularly automa tion, have arisen which pose difficult, almost insurmountable tasks for unions. Union officers, both paid and unpaid, seem to be losing their vigor and sensitivity. Idealistic motivation of union activity seems to be on the decline and petty corrup tion increasingly the norm. The membership is apathetic or divided on crucial issues. Management is on the offensive and seems to be acquiring a new sense of sureness in dealing with labor relations. It has been winning more and more grievance cases and has reduced the incidence of wildcat strikes and other forms of unofficial job activity. First-line supervisors have become more and more successful in raising production stand ards and eliminating excontractual employee benefits. Wide spread unemployment and the threat of automation have strengthened management's hand all the way.