Organising and delegates: An overview

Abstract

Using a survey of 2350 current workplace delegates in eight unions, we examine the workplace capacity of union delegates. Delegates like their role, but is becoming harder as more things are being asked of them. The majority are trained, but more training is required if they are to be able to manage the wider range of tasks that unions expect of them. Support for delegates provided by the union offi ce is fairly good, but weak in some areas, particularly in developing networking skills. Delegates are very reliant on their organiser. Management opposition is a problem for a minority of delegates, but it is a growing problem. Delegates have great trouble persuading fellow unionists to share the burden of union activities. Activism is increasing, but from a low base. They appreciate some of the principles of organising, but a wholehearted embrace of organising is still a long way away.