Abstract

This paper is aimed at discussing the relationship between unions and different stakeholders in the Los Rios Region, Chile, while identifying the main factors that have a bearing on the reduction of worker membership. A descriptive research was conducted, involving a field, cross-sectional, non-experimental design. Four different questionnaires were applied to 72 stakeholders who interact with unions, namely: unionized and non-unionized workers, entrepreneurs from different industries in the region and governmental agencies. The findings reveal the following causes for low union membership: benefits accruing to unionized workers are the same as those granted to non-unionized workers; high membership fees set by certain unions; time-consuming meetings; and a two-way discrimination between unionized and non-unionized workers. The research further reveals that unions and different stakeholders establish good to excellent relations, reason for which the system leans towards agreements instead of conflicts. In this same line, disaffiliation is also explained by the fact that workers no longer identify with union leaders and/or are in disagreement with their vision, leadership style and management.