Factors affecting the union preferences of civil servants in the department of education

In this study, the aim is to determine the factors affecting the union preferences of civil servants in the Department of Education. The research content aims to identify the factors that influence the choice of union membership for civil servants in the Department of Education, whether they decide to continue their union affiliation or leave. In this regard, factors such as union-member relationships, union work performance, union ideology, and the impact of external factors on member preferences were examined. No research has been found in the literature that examines the preferences of union members to leave or continue their involvement in the public education sector. This research not only contributes to filling the gap in the literature but also provides guidance for union managers. The research employed the in-depth interview technique, a qualitative research method. The study was conducted with 20 participants who are civil servants in the Department of Education, working in public education institutions in the Cerkezkoy district of Tekirdag province in June 2023. Among the participants, 15 are union members, and 5 of them are union district representatives. The research data were collected using a semi-structured interview form and analyzed through the descriptive analysis method. The Findings have been interpreted and discussed. These findings and evaluations have been presented in the conclusion and recommendations section. Keywords: Union Preferences, Public Unionism, Education Unionism, Union Loyalty.