To be or not to be Unionized: A Case Study

Abstract

This study aimed to shed light on how union activities should be conducted based on the views of teachers and administrators, what expectations teachers and administrators have of the union, whether these expectations are related to the core objectives of union activities or are simply intended to address personal issues or fulfill their desires, and reveal the strength or weakness of education workers’ ability to act in an organized manner in Turkey. The research was planned as a holistic single case study using qualitative research methods. The study group consists of 12 participants, and among the purposive sampling methods, criterion sampling and maximum variation sampling methods were used. The interview form used in the study was designed by the researchers as a result of the literature review. The data were analyzed through content analysis. The codes and categories obtained from the interviews on union activities were grouped under four themes; the reasons for being or not being a member of a union, views on unions, positive benefits and negative practices of union activities, and suggestions on union activities. According to the collected data, recommendations have been made, including that unions should unite under a single roof and make a division within themselves at the branch level; they should exert pressure on the formation of a just, merit-based system for appointment and relocation.