4. What do Trade unions do? Flashcards
Brief history of trade unions in Australia
Formed in early 19th century initially following the Brittish rule, the employer had the majority of power in these early times.
By late 19th century trade unions were benefitting the employees and employers and were gaining strength.
1907 was the establishment of the minimum basic wage.
Unions remained strong throughout the majority of the 20th century until the 1980s. From the 1980s until this present day unions have declined rapidly.
Why employees join trade unions?
They believe that there is strength in numbers and they will be listened to when they are in a group.
To negotiate a better pay, more holidays and less hours of work.
Better OH&S standards.
Many workers may not feel comfortable negotiating contracts individually with employees and prefer having an external body do this on their part.
Collective bargaining to negotiate between several employers regarding wages.
What are the factors that contribute to the decline in union membership?
The shift from manufacturing to the service industry where the manufacturing industry have had strong union membership and the service industry does not. The casualisation of the workforce, unions find it hard to recruit casual workers. The increase in individual bargaining and decline in collective bargaining where unions primary focus is collective bargaining. Technological change where employees have more flexibility on their workplace, they not have the ability to work from home and work fewer hours.
What strategies have unions adopted to halt the decline?
More resources into recruitment efforts.
Targeting younger people and education them.
Growth in new areas to expand the union brand across all sectors of business.
Increase in new technology, utilising technology to keep up with the times.
