The unionization of professionals: A case study

In 1999 the U.S. economy concluded its ninth year of expansion, and the GDP increased by 4.3 percent while the rate of unemployment remained at 4.1 percent, its lowest level in thirty years. However, there has not been a corresponding expansion in the rate of unionization. Recognizing that they can no longer depend on their traditional base of members, unions have targeted the rapidly expanding area of professional employment as a potential growth area. If unions can adapt to the needs of these workers and achieve organizing successes in nontraditional areas, rapid growth of the union movement could occur. Utilizing the case study methodology, I explore the motivations of a group of professional employees to turn to union representation to address their dissatisfaction with the workplace.