Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.

The purpose of this study was to collect data so as to produce a profile of full-time trade union officers in Northern Ireland, revealing their backgrounds, the nature of their work, the problems they encounter and their attitude towards certain contemporary issues in industrial relations. To assess how the role of the full-time officer might be deficient and how it might be more effective, and to explore certain problems in the operation of trade unions peculiar to Northern Ireland.

Main Topics:

Attitudinal/Behavioural Questions Nature and methods of work. Opinions on inter alia: union aims, officers' salaries, induction and training, facilities provided, place of shop stewards, optimal forms of branch organisation, forms of collective bargaining, union communications, union staffing, industrial disputes, causes and remedies, relationships with employers and managers, impact of government policy. Background Variables Age. Place of birth. School education, further education and training, original occupation, type of union, method of appointment, size of constituency, terms and conditions of employment, work load, outside commitments.

No sampling (total universe)

Face-to-face interview