Union representation, collective voice and job quality:

 

demonstrates that employee perceptions of several dimensions of job quality are better where an onsite representative is present, and that this can be explained by the higher perceptions of union collective voice that onsite representatives engender.

More research is also needed on the mechanics of how onsite union representative voice effects emerge. For example, it could be that while unions voice members’ concerns to onsite managers, these managers may not have sufficient influence to change employment practice themselves to address these concerns. They may, however, in turn voice the union’s concerns to more senior managers in the organisation, who do have sufficient influence to make the requisite changes.

Reference : Hoque, K., Earls, J., Conway, N. & Bacon, N. (2017). Union representation, collective voice and job quality: an analysis of a survey of union members in the UK finance sector. Economic and Industrial Democracy: an international journal, 38(1), pp. 27-50.