| Abstract [eng] |
In Lithuania, a combination of several conditions – post-soviet history, neoliberal economic system and unfavourable public opinion, produces an environment, where labor unions are extremely marginalized. To this day, labor unions face adverse circumstances – strict legislation on striking, almost no incentives to promote social dialogue or collective bargaining. Labor union strength is usually measured by three main variables: labor union density, collective bargaining coverage and striking activity. In all these three respects, Lithuania, alongside other Baltic states, rank the lowest in all European Union. However, despite the low membership and all the obstacles discussed above, Lithuanian labor unions continue to exist and even new ones are being established. Looking from the perspective of the Rational Choice Theory, such action would be seen as completely irrational, since labor unions do not have the power to enforce any big changes. What at first sight seems like a paradox leads to the main question of this study – why do workers still join labor unions and how do they make their membership meaningful, despite the fact that in Lithuania they are weak and not capable of defending their rights? The aim of this study is to delve deeper into the meaning-making process of labor union members and uncover alternative explanations about the role of labor unions in contemporary Lithuania. The research question was atempted to answer by conducting a qualitative study and carrying out 14 semi-structured interviews with workers from two labor unions, representing two different types of unions – contemporary and traditional. While maintaining the traditional function of labor unions – defending workers‘ rights, as the main stimulus for joining a union, the research has also uncovered a wide range of alternative meanings people attribute to labor unions, that go way beyond the worker rights, including 1) unionism as political activity; 2) unionism as activism; 3) unionism as ideological activity; 4) unionism as educational activity; 5) unions as a space for finding like-minded community; 6) unions as a tool for emotional support. Thefore, the paradox discussed ceases to be a paradox, because defending your own rights may no longer be the only rational reason to join a union. The research has also opened up an interesting discussion about the changing role of contemporary labor unions and their transformation into a social movement, since the new labor unions no longer only operate in the field of work relations, but also in a wider range of social justice causes, including the rights of LGBTQ+, migrants, women and other socially vulnerable groups. |
