chapter 18 - trade union Flashcards
definition of:
trade union
an organisation which aims to protect the interest of its workers and terms & conditions of employment
- pay annual subscription fee
- bargain and negotiate for better terms & conditions
objectives of employees
- maximise wages/ salaries
- work in a safe and healthy environment have good work terms and conditions
- maximise non wage benefits
- have job security
objectives of employers
- maintain happy and well motivated employees
- maximise profit
- maximise sales
- minimise costs
types of trade union
- industrial unions (all skilled and unskilled workers)
- craft unions (organise workers according to particular skills) aircraft mechanics
- ‘white collar’ unions (recruit professional, salaried workers) teaching, banking
- general unions (accept anyone regardless where they live, nature of work) have large membership of unskilled workers
*some professions don’t have trade unions; num of workers controlled due to high entry requirements
role of trade unions
- protect interest of members
- give legal advise when necessary
- give support when they’re made redundant
- bargain with employers for better terms and conditions
- ensure safety and health secured
- persuade gov to pass legislation in favour of workers (min wage rate, max working hours)
- provide financial and legal support when dismissed unfairly
definition of:
collective bargaining
process of trade union representatives negotiating on behalf of their workers members with employer representatives for better pay and conditions; the larger the number, the better its bargaining position is
claim for higher wages based on:
- cost of living - inflation
- workers in comparable occupations get higher wages
- increased profits of firm
- increase in labour productivity
definition of:
industrial actions
refers to measures taken by trade union members as a result of major disagreements or disputes with their employers
types of industrial actions
- sit-in
- go-slow
- strike
- work-to-rule
factors affecting strength of trade union?
- number of members
- degree of unity
why is there an increase in the level of union membership?
- growth in manufacturing jobs (receive low pay in manufacturing industry)
- widening wealth gap and higher costs of living
why is there a decline in level of trade union?
- gov legislation reduces trade union influences
- decline in manufacturing jobs
- increase in num of self employment people
- increase in num of small firms
- growth in part time employment
- increase in unemployment
advantages of trade union membership
- channel of communication between employers and employees
- negotiate for better terms and conditions
- less conflict and develop improved industrial relations, increase in labour productivity
- offer legal support and advise
disadvantages of trade unions membership
- cost of production increases as firms pay higher wages, profit decreases
- portrayed in media as negative role in economy, cause lost in productivity