This article provides a theoretical and legal overview of the issue of "minority unions" or "members only" unions that attempt to represent workers in the absence of a majority status or a legally protected right to engage in collective bargaining. Differences between the public and pri vate sectors are noted. The claims of minority union advocates are then compared with the experience of the Communications Workers of America in their effort to construct a minority union at the NCR Corporation. This article concludes with an analysis of the potential value as well as the limitations of this form of organization for unions, including how this approach might be used strategically.
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