Union organization in education system: A systematic literature review and analysis of union leaders' views

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to review the literature on union organization in education systems around the world and to explore the perspectives of education union leaders in Turkey. Method: This study was conducted using qualitative research methods and was designed as a case study. In the first phase of the study, a systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted to examine studies related to education unions in literature. In the second phase of the study, interviews were conducted with union leaders in Turkey based on the themes that emerged from the SLR. Results: Most of the studies in the literature on education unions have been conducted in the United States, Australia, and Canada and the majority of these studies have preferred qualitative research methods. The studies have focused significantly on the organizational structures and operational processes of unions. Additionally, the role of unions from the perspective of teachers; their relationships with politics, education, social justice, and neoliberal policies; and union struggle strategies are among the topics predominantly addressed in literature. According to the views of union leaders in Turkey, union management processes exhibit partially democratic characteristics, communication between leaders and members is strong, and unions are making intensive efforts to expand their membership base. Unions face various challenges, such as the negative attitudes of school administrators, member concerns and competition between unions. Creating public opinion through social media is the most important method of struggle used by unions. The political approaches of unions generally reflect the dilemma between the desire to achieve organizational goals and the fear of losing autonomy. Unions do not represent a completely dependent or apolitical understanding. Unions strive to play a supportive role in the field of education. Neoliberal education policies are seen as a common area of struggle by all unions and a collective stance is taken against these policies. Conclusion and Suggestions: In international literature, unions are not only considered as advocates for the rights of education workers, but also as actors with social and political roles. When the activities and approaches of education unions in Turkey are evaluated in general, it is understood that the pragmatic unionism model has been largely adopted. However, due to their efforts to contribute to the field of education and their stance against neoliberal policies, it can be said that unions also carry some elements of social justice unionism. The nature of political relations points to a search for balance in establishing a reasonable distance. Based on the research findings, it is believed that making union management processes more democratic and ensuring that members participate extensively in decision-making through digital communication tools, as well as unions acting in cooperation on issues where consensus has been reached, will increase union power and effectiveness. It is believed that following global union trends and strategies could provide guidance in shaping the visions and strategies of unions in Turkey.