Different Roles: Employee versus Union Member

The case study addresses:

Active union members often have two roles to play: (1) employee and (2) union member. Please explain the difference between the two roles. Is it difficult to do both jobs effectively?

The solution thoroughly explains the two roles and the difficulty that may arise in having both. Union members may not agree with the actions of a majority of their membership and as an employee, may have differing views. But in simply belonging to a union, the single voice is no longer heard. Individual employees may agree with an employer viewpoint, but have the union advising in support of a contradictory action. This can create difficulty for the employee who wants to support their employer or even protect their personal interests; but must abide by their union.