Guide to Union Member Surveys

Surveying the members about workplace issues, health and safety problems, contract language or political concerns is a good way to start building membership activism. Instead of preaching to the members, a survey distributed and collected in the workplace can get people talking with each other and the union about the issues featured in the survey. It is an especially good way to get a dialogue going with the “passive middle” who don’t bring their grievances to the union but would welcome the invitation to contribute.

Download Sample Workplace Survey Questions

These questions come from actual surveys used by area unions. (This is a pdf file)

For consulting & technical help with member surveys.

Effective use of surveys as a mobilizing tool depends on these key features:

1) Limiting survey to 1 sheet (2-sided if need be), and 5 to 10 questions

2) Distributing via “one-on-one” outreach in the workplace

3) Getting it to the entire workforce, including “passive middle” and “hostile fringe”

4) Recruiting enough canvassers (activists, committee members) for ratio of 1 – 25

5) Training canvassers on rights to communicate, and how to overcome “yea buts”

6) Anticipating cost of tabulating, either in volunteer or paid labor

7) Reporting back some or all of results (depending on questions) in subsequent flyers

A well-designed survey process will do four things for the union:

1) Provide an entry-level opportunity for participation by less committed members

2) Educate members by framing the issues and asking honest, relevant questions

3) Build unity by providing (via report back) a mirror to show collective concerns

4) Provide strategic information for the bargaining committee, union leadership

The survey questions inventoried in the above pdf file are taken or adapted from workplace surveys used in contract negotiations, organizing drives, and campaigns to improve work methods and conditions. The questions can and should be amended to match the specific concerns and issues of a particular workplace.

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Home Programs & Classes for Individuals Labor Studies Major Educational Programs for Unions Joint Labor- Management Programs Consulting & Technical Assistance for Unions Research Tools & Information You Can Use About the Center Our staff Contact us Map of campus Wayne State University links	Guide to Union Member Surveys Surveying the members about workplace issues, health and safety problems, contract language or political concerns is a good way to start building membership activism. Instead of preaching to the members, a survey distributed and collected in the workplace can get people talking with each other and the union about the issues featured in the survey. It is an especially good way to get a dialogue going with the “passive middle” who don’t bring their grievances to the union but would welcome the invitation to contribute. Download Sample Workplace Survey Questions These questions come from actual surveys used by area unions. (This is a pdf file) For consulting & technical help with member surveys. Effective use of surveys as a mobilizing tool depends on these key features: 1) Limiting survey to 1 sheet (2-sided if need be), and 5 to 10 questions 2) Distributing via “one-on-one” outreach in the workplace 3) Getting it to the entire workforce, including “passive middle” and “hostile fringe” 4) Recruiting enough canvassers (activists, committee members) for ratio of 1 – 25 5) Training canvassers on rights to communicate, and how to overcome “yea buts” 6) Anticipating cost of tabulating, either in volunteer or paid labor 7) Reporting back some or all of results (depending on questions) in subsequent flyers A well-designed survey process will do four things for the union: 1) Provide an entry-level opportunity for participation by less committed members 2) Educate members by framing the issues and asking honest, relevant questions 3) Build unity by providing (via report back) a mirror to show collective concerns 4) Provide strategic information for the bargaining committee, union leadership The survey questions inventoried in the above pdf file are taken or adapted from workplace surveys used in contract negotiations, organizing drives, and campaigns to improve work methods and conditions. The questions can and should be amended to match the specific concerns and issues of a particular workplace.	Family & Medical Leave Act Workplace Health & Safety Employee Rights Employee Rights Q&A Researching Your Employer Guide to Union Member Surveys Collective Bargaining Article of the month feature Privatization Websites for Union Activism Helpful Labor-Related Web Sites Books, Manuals, & Videos Available from the Center American Rights@Work American Sociological Assoc. Labor Pages