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Craft unions are generally not the primary research targets in studies on labor union issues but are often associated with the label “labor/health insurance unions.” However, with the diversification of labor patterns and emergence of various opportunities, craft unions have developed more activity and dimensions. This article, therefore, attempts to explore the development potential of occupational unions. Through interviews with the Taipei Art Creators Union, Taipei Doctors Union, and Taipei Entertainment Worker and Hostess Union, we observed the mutual influence between union activity and structures as well as the changes to labor environments and conditions brought about by these craft unions, in turn evaluating the applicability of Taiwan’s labor policies and laws to atypical workers.
Through an analysis of the movements of the unions we interviewed, we found that in a capitalistic labor structure with typical labor contract relationships, workers who require labor protection ought not be limited to those who are subject to standard labor laws but everyone who relies on providing labor for remuneration. We reflected on the idea of “labor” in existing social structures, labor research, and policies and laws. The study also found that labor movement experience is an essential factor affecting whether craft unions can be considered active. Prior social movement experience sustains future union activity and empowers labor unions to make differences. Findings also show that, although union secretaries serve an important role, they are not represented in labor research. Hence, we suggest recruiting or nurturing talent with experience in social or student movements. We observed that active labor unions acting as agents for labor/health insurance were able to boost their activity and make more differences.
Finally, when craft unions are no longer merely regarded as labor/health insurance unions, there will be room for structural changes that allow us to find more possibilities for them.
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