Understanding the declining of trade union density: literature review and conceptual framework

Abstract

Trade unions in various countries, including Malaysia are slowly declining its density and membership. Past research has been conducted to examine this downward trend. The decline of union density can be attributed to its limitation to organize new establishment (Nagiah Ramasamy, 2008). Economic and social development factors are also important to explain the phenomenon (Kuruvilla S. et al, 2002). This paper explores the possible reasons for the declining popularity of trade unions in Malaysia based on a review of relevant literatures. The review concludes that structural, cyclical and institutional factors are important determinants in explaining the declining density of unions. Based on this the authors proposed a framework to guide future studies on the topic.