HBR IdeaCast How the Unionization Trend is Changing Workplace Dynamics
Jul 19, 2022
Thomas Kochan, a professor at MIT Sloan School of Management, dives into the recent revival of unionization across various sectors. He discusses the reasons behind this resurgence, debunking common fears associated with unions. Kochan emphasizes the importance of empowering employee voices and adapting workplaces to meet the needs of younger workers. He also analyzes the successes and challenges of union efforts at companies like Amazon, advocating for cooperative relationships between labor and management to enhance organizational performance.
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Unionization Resurgence
- Union membership has been declining in many countries, giving businesses more individual control over employees.
- However, a recent resurgence in unionization efforts is challenging this dynamic.
Widespread Resurgence
- The unionization trend is spreading across various service industries, including retail, hospitality, and media.
- This resurgence is not limited to the U.S., with growing union activity and unrest seen in Europe.
US Resistance to Unions
- The U.S. stands out for its managerial resistance to unions, unlike European countries that often view them as social partners.
- This resistance has grown as declining union membership leads to fewer executives with experience working with unions.