THE MAIN EFFECT MODEL VERSUS BUFFERING MODEL OF SHOP STEWARD SOCIAL SUPPORT - A STUDY OF RANK-AND-FILE AUTO WORKERS IN THE USA

Social support has long been considered an important factor in influen cing the experience of stress and strain at work (e.g. Cohen and Wills , 1985). Yet the effect of union support on stress and strain has been largely neglected. In the present study we explored the role of socia l support provided by shop stewards as both a predictor of various ind icators of strain experienced by their constituents as well as a buffe r of stress-strain relations. These hypothesized relations were evalua ted using data provided by rank-and-file members (N = 112) of a large local union associated with the automotive industry located in the mid western region of the U.S.A. The results were not generally supportive of the main-effect model of steward support, but were consistent with the buffering model.