Public Sector Unions: Will They Thrive or Struggle to Survive?

• Published in: Journal of labor research Vol. 25; no. 2; pp. 211 - 222
• Main Authors: Pinnock, Sharon, Hurd, Richard W
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Transaction Publishers 01.04.2004; Springer Nature B.V
• Series: Journal of Labor Research
• Subjects: Labor unions; Privatization; Public sector; Union leadership; Unionization; United States > US
• ISSN: 0195-3613; 1936-4768
• DOI: 10.1007/s12122-004-1033-6

There is emerging consensus among public sector union leaders at the national level that the threats they face today are eerily similar to those ignored by private sector unions 20 years ago. Privatization, reinventing government, a changing public sector work force, anti-government forces on Capitol Hill and the statehouses, union myopia, and member apathy all are taken with the utmost seriousness. The situation calls for a sophisticated strategic response. Because they are operating from a position of relative strength, public sector unions must be at the forefront of any effort to re-establish union influence in society. With this ultimate objective in mind, these priorities have been embraced by most of the major public sector unions: expand political action, enhance organizing programs, fight privatization, mobilize members in support of the above, and develop a new generation of leaders. If public sector unions are successful in achieving these priorities, the entire labor movement will benefit.