Connecting Trade Unions to the Community: Promoting Employment for Individuals with Mental Health Conditions

Abstract

The findings of a research effort that sought to define the mutual interests of unions and individuals with mental health conditions, their family members, and service providers are reported. The data were gathered from a nonrandom sample of trade union experts in disability policy and procedures. The research question posed is: What is the potential for unions to serve as a source of work options, valuable information on workplace cultures, and workplace supports to individuals with mental health conditions? Reported are the practices and existing supports in current union activities and related situations that might be adopted to assist persons with mental health conditions. The opportunities for the future for providers, individuals, and union representatives, including information on union apprenticeships and how to work with unions on job maintenance, accommodation, and retention issues for individuals with mental health conditions is provided. For social service providers clarification is offered concerning issues that are important to unions (e.g., collective bargaining agreements) to help all parties understand each other and communicate effectively to create partnerships among unions, providers, and individuals with mental health conditions that will sustain work for those seeking competitive employment.

KEYWORDS:

• community partnerships
• employee health
• mental health
• trade unions

This study was funded, in part, by a grant from the New York Work Exchange, a project of the New York City Coalition of Voluntary Mental Health Agencies. An early version of this research effort, its findings, and recommendations was produced as a report published on the Coalition's Website.