Do Trade Unions Have a Future? The Case of Denmark

Abstract

This article analyses union membership among members of the Danish Trade Union Congress (LO). In contrast to most studies about union futures, it takes a subjective membership perspective by drawing empirically on an original database established by the authors. First, we show that there exists a widespread commitment to the union parallel with a very strong connection to the firm. The values of members are highly individualized, favouring non-material needs and interests and strongly supporting the public welfare system. Secondly, solidarity has changed; it has certainly not disappeared, but, in line with the trends of decentralization of the negotiation system, it has become more oriented towards the narrow relations in the workplace and at the local society level. The thesis of everyday solidarity seems to be confirmed. The relatively strong membership commitment is offset by abundant criticism of the union leaders who, in the eyes of the members, are primarily running an apparatus more than they are providing activities in which the members can involve themselves and take part democratically. The final judgement is that the unions in Denmark have a future if they articulate and negotiate the interests of their members. This future seems highly conditional upon sensitive listening on the part of the leaders. In creating a fundament for formulating policies, they must hear what members think and want and they must use democratic decision-making procedures congruent with the integrity of their members. Contingent on these measures, unions probably have a good opportunity to survive and develop in a post-industrial society dominated by rules and norms of 'service capitalism'.