Economical and Social Dimensions of Unionization in Turkish Textile and Clothing Sector

Abstract Textile and clothing sector possesses a significant place in Turkish manufacturing industry as well as in exports, investments, gross national product and employment; also maintains its locomotive sector position in development for a long time with its established production potential and labor force. However, there are serious issues about the unionization of workers in the sector. On one hand, this situation causes an increment in social and economical issues of workers and enterprises and on the other hand, it damages democracy within the enterprise. In this context, this study aims to suggest tangible solutions by revealing the economical and social differences between unionization and non-unionization in the sector. Besides, the study differs from other studies and contributes to the literature due to its two-sided research structure (workers and employers) and analysis of unionization in textile and clothing sector in terms of economical and social aspects. In accordance with the aim of the research, two separate surveys are conducted for textile and clothing enterprises, which operate throughout Turkey, and for unionized and non-unionized blue-collar workers of these enterprises. The obtained data are analyzed by using descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis, and independent samples t-test. As stated by the research results, the perspectives of unionized and non-unionized participants differ with regard to positive and negative aspects (both economical and social aspects) of being a union member.