Abstract:

In the last decade, trade unions have become an important social partner in the European Union countries, including Latvia, where, within the National Tripartite Cooperation Council, they ensure influence on taking important decisions. Surveys on working conditions in Latvia show that working conditions in companies with a trade union are significantly better than in those without a trade union. A survey of members of the Latvian Trade Union of Education and Science Employees (LIZDA) was conducted in one institution, namely a University (Demonstration Organization), to find out the trade union members’ views on the role and activities of the trade union, as well as their needs for improving working conditions. To find out the opinion of the trade union members about the role and activities of the trade union, as well as the needs of the trade union members to improve their working conditions, a survey of members of the Latvian Trade Union of Education and Science Employees (LIZDA) was organized in one institution, namely, a university. The results of this survey are used both theoretically to identify employees’ perceptions of the importance of trade unions in creating a comfortable working environment, and in practice – to coordinate the work of the union within the given university. In general, the results of the survey can be used to determine the strategic direction of the union’s work as well as to improve its prestige. The sociological data were obtained by using two approaches – quantitative and qualitative. The quantitative survey was conducted between 10 February 2019 and 10 April 2019 at one of the universities in Latvia.