WHY DO PEOPLE GET INVOLVED IN LOCAL UNION OFFICE

In the last two decades, public sector labor relations have been chara cterized by privatization, service cuts, and ad hoc legislation suspen ding negotiation rights. In this new environment, it seems crucial for public sector unions to build strength among their membership and to recruit volunteers to lead their local unions. Keeping this practical concern in mind, the research proposes an explanatory model of partici pation in local union leadership position. Based on social psychology theory, the model suggests that participation in local union leadershi p depends on an individual's attitude toward the union, on the social norm, and on that individual's work-related and psychological needs. p articipation is also associated with other variables such as seniority , gender, and employment status. The model was tested in a Canadian pu blic sector union.