Employee satisfaction with union representation at a selected South African University of Technology

Abstract

Komsi (2010: 7) identifies three reasons for workers joining a trade union. The first motive is to better know workers’ rights, the second is because of belief in collective action and the third is to promote the interest of one’s self and co-workers. The Durban University of Technology (DUT) has three trade unions on campus, i.e., TENUSA, NEWAHU AND NTEU. Each trade union representatives, known as shop stewards, face the difficulty of having to support two, roles i.e., (i) the role of either a lecturer, administrator or administrator support and (ii) that of a shop steward/executive member. The trade union representatives are elected at an Annual General Meeting (AGM) for a period of between one and three years and expected to perform union activities over and above their own job functions and responsibilities. The aim of this study was to survey employee satisfaction with union representation at a selected University of Technology. The objectives of the study were to determine whether union members are happy with union representation of their interests to identify the areas of representation that is lacking and to recommend ways in which worker interest can be improved. The population consisted of all full-time staff members of the Durban University of Technology. These included academics, academic support and administrative support staff; male and female; of diverse race groups; working on all seven campuses of the University. The initial sampling method used for this study was stratified systematic because the population comprised of distinctly different categories of workers and each category was sampled separately to ensure that it was equally represented. The researcher used questionnaires as the data collection tool. The following factors were taken into consideration in determining the best possible way of distributing the questionnaires: the large sample size of 620 staff that needed to be surveyed and the wide geographic spread of the selected sample elements. To facilitate easy collection the researcher opted to use Microsoft Forms as the data collection tool. Microsoft Forms is a lightweight, simple tool that allows you to easily construct a form, collect real-time responses, and display automated charts to show your data. You can create a form in minutes, no training needed and respondents can fill it out on any browser without downloading a separate app. After numerous followup attempts, the response rate was still very low requiring the researcher to conduct a purposive / convenient sampling method targeting all unionised staff. The study found that the members surveyed were very satisfied with the effectiveness of their unions. Members indicated that union officials were available as soon as you needed them; gave members a choice in how the union works; kept their members updated and treated complaints properly. Members were satisfied with the membership fees and were actively involved in electing their union leadership. Notwithstanding, the fact that there was overall satisfaction by the members survey, the researcher provided recommendations on each of the areas that received a minimally negative rating.