Workers and the demand for trade unions in Europe: Still a relevant social force?

In many European countries since the 1980s there has been a considerable decline in union density. Using the European Social Survey, this article examines whether declining union density reflects declining worker demand for the protective and enabling functions traditionally provided by union membership. Results indicate that a substantial majority of respondents believe that employees need the protection of strong unions. Irrespective of the respondent's occupational level, the extent of job autonomy, gender, age or political orientation, positive attitudes towards unions are consistently in the majority. The results show not only the persistence of a strong belief in the necessity for trade unions but a strengthening of this conviction among employees since the early 1980s.