Issp standard Background Variables

UNION “Trade union membership”

1. Measurement goal

The aim of this variable is to measure both the respondent’s current and the respondent’s former trade or labour union membership.

2. Filtering questions/respondent universe

Ask all.
3. Variable definition/code list

UNION “Trade union membership”
1 Yes, currently

2 Yes, previously but not currently

3 No, never

7 Refused

9 No answer
4. Example question text(s)

Are you or have you ever been a member of a trade union or similar organisation?

If yes: is that currently or only previously?

[TN: Country-specific terms may be used here to clarify the meaning of “union membership”.]

Please tick one box only.
1 Yes, currently

2 Yes, previously but not currently

3 No, never
5. Coding & classification instructions

-
6. Other comments

Trade or labour union membership refers to a membership in all kinds of unions or organisations of employees whose goals are to promote the economic and social interests of its members in particular with regard to wages, working hours, or working conditions. In some countries, professional associations, i.e. of physicians, engineers, or teachers, have similar functions as trade unions and should thus be included. These unions and professional associations may organise different sections of employees (i.e. within a particular craft or industry) and may comprise individual employees, professionals, past employees or unemployed as well.