This study examines the functional effectiveness of teachers’ unions through a multidimensional analytical framework. The primary purpose of teachers’ unions is to improve the economic, social, and professional conditions of their members. Accordingly, the study evaluates the extent to which teachers’ unions achieve this goal by employing qualitative and quantitative research approaches.
In the first phase, document analysis was conducted to examine the demands and gains of teachers’ unions arising from six collective bargaining agreements within the Turkish public education system. The analysis focused on union demands, employer acceptance rates, and the social and economic factors influencing the bargaining process. The findings indicate that the timing of collective bargaining, the political orientation of the bargaining union, and internal and external interventions and periods of social instability- are key determinants shaping union demands and outcomes.
In the second phase, historical comparative research methods were used to explore the relationship between union functionality and factors such as teacher salaries, professional development opportunities, and the social status of the teaching profession in China, Singapore, and Germany. These countries were selected due to their high rankings in at least one of the areas of social status, income, or performance according to the Global Teacher Status Index. Comparisons reveal that union functionality is closely associated with the level of democratic governance and the extent to which governments and societies prioritise investment in human capital. Contrary to conventional belief, union membership size was not found to be a determining factor.

Authors:
Serpil Karaki̇raz, Eşrefzade Vocational and Technical High School, Türkiye
Süleyman Davut Göker, Çanakkale 18 Mart University, Türkiye

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Serpil Karakiraz, English teacher and educational researcher, interested in digital innovation, AI in education, and teacher development. Currently developing projects on digital skills, non-cognitive skills, and inclusive learning.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/serpil-karakiraz-1b8a767b/

See this presentation on the full schedule – Monday Schedule

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