Which Type of Union Member Are You?

What type of union person are you? Have you even thought about this? There is a theory put forth in 1956 by DL Tagliacozzo is that union members are broken into seven groups: 1. the ideological unionist; 2. the good union member; 3. the loyal but critical member; 4. the crisis activist; 5. the dually oriented member; 6. the card carrying or indifferent member; and 7. the unwilling unionist. In some cases the types tend to merge, making the count arbitrary at times, but on the whole most members fit into one of these seven categories. The ideological unionist is distinguished from the others by articulate, political and social philosophy. They will know and study union history, and be willing to consider personal sacrifices in order to strengthen the union. The good union member will protect and advance the union’s prestige and power. They will strike and walk picket lines when called upon. They are usually preferred by leaders when an office within the union is to be filled. The loyal but critical member is likely to support strikes and picketing, but would never work in a nonunion shop and will be active on political community actions. The crisis activist belongs and supports the union, but without being involved. The crisis activist views the union primarily as an agency of collective bargaining and sees little reason for political activism. They will say, “Let the officers run the union. That is why we elect them.” They see the union as an agency to which one makes payments to obtain substantial benefits. Crisis activists are very numerous among the rank and file unionists. The dually oriented members are those who think that while giving support to the union in all essential respects, they view production and efficiency from the point of view of management. These are skilled workers in responsible positions. They believe that they should make money for their shop and most workers take pride in doing their job. The card carriers or indifferent members are mostly young or new to union and are unconcerned about unionism. They have no feelings one way or the other with regard to unions. They join unions because they have to and some never forget it, even though it’s how they have a good living wage and benefits. It takes them awhile—sometimes years—to come around to liking the union way. The unwilling unionist are often times occasional members, who feel forced into union membership against their will by legal or social pressures. They will use every reason to not like unions. Most of their reasons are a result of their own actions. They think unions are an unfair, oppressive force dominated by communists, racketeers or other undesirable elements. These people probably had a negative experience with a union or they and their family were reared on fox television, gop talking points and anti-union propaganda. They haven’t been taught to think for themselves and what’s best for them and their families. One of the most successful attributes of a successful union leader is knowing how to convince unwilling or indifferent or crisis unionist that the union has more an important place and deeper significance than the member understands. The Art of War says to win the battle you must first know yourself. So, what kind of union person are you? Are you just one type or a mix? It would be good if all union workers thought about this for the fight between nonunion corporations is going on today and unions must pick a side and decide when the union army wants for its members for the long hull.