The Impact of Quality of Work Life Programs and Grievance System Effectiveness on Union Commitment

Based on an analysis of data from a 1987 survey of four different bargaining units within the same local union, the authors conclude that union members who participated in Quality of Work Life (QWL) programs were less likely than nonparticipants to view QWL as a threat to the union, and also more loyal to the union. Another finding, however, is that the perceived effectiveness of the grievance procedure was a much stronger determinant of attitudes toward the union than was participation in QWL programs—leading the authors to speculate that one way for unions to strengthen their ties with their members might be to improve the effectiveness of the grievance procedure.