Abstract

As the immigrant population continues to grow in Canada, their impact on organized labor can no longer be overlooked. This study examines whether a meaningful difference exists in the demand for unions between immigrant and non-immigrant persons in Canada. Based on assumptions within the Self-Protection model, a questionnaire surveying 175 participants from immigrant and non-immigrant samples allowed for assessment of these assumptions during the job search process. Cross-sectional results were analysed using regression techniques and t-tests. The results secured support for three of five hypotheses. Immigrants are more likely to support union activity than non-immigrants and feel that union instrumentality decreases discrimination. The results suggest that immigrants feel that union presence and instrumentality is important in providing protection against discrimination in the workforce, therefore their job search behaviors are influenced by union presence. Organizations should consider means to manage these perceptions to ensure that the organizations pool of applicants is maximized.