Chapter 4 Flashcards
What is a trade union?
A trade union can be defined as groups of workers that have organised themselves with the aim of being able to negotiate with their employers, using the process of collective bargaining
What does “collective bargaining” mean?
When workers who are members of a Trade Union, negotiate as a group, with their employer about pay, leave and working conditions.
COSATU
Congress of South African Trade Unions
SADTU
South African Democratic Teachers Union
FEDUSA
Federation of Unions of South Africa
NUM
National Union of Mineworkers
NACTU
National Council of Trade Unions
SATAWU
South African Transport and Allied Workers Union
What are 3 of the largest Trade Union Organisations in South Africa?
FEDUSA, NACTU, COSATU
Why are trade unions important within the economic context in South Africa?
Trade unions play an important role by being responsible for ensuring that businesses invest sufficient capital in the development of Human capital (labour force) so that they have the necessary resources to make a productive contribution to the economy of the country
Which 3 essential services may not strike?
The South African Police Service (SAPS)
Doctors, nurses and medical personnel of state hospitals
Members of Parliament (MPs)
Fire Department
Explain the concept of “Freedom of Association” in terms of Trade Unions
Workers have the right to join, be part of, organised and support a Trade Union without fear of negative action by an employer
If you become an entrepreneur and you start your own business, will you allow your employees to belong to a union?
Yes, because we live in a constitutional democracy, people must be allowed to exercise their rights. I believe it would be more advantageous for both employer and workers to be honest and open about labour issues
Important events regarding trade unions
1955 SACTU formed
1985 COSATU formed
1994 1st Democratic elections, many trade unions leaders elected to parliament
Why do employees join a union?
- Job security - employees need a trade union to protect their rights from employers who want to dismiss workers
- Certain industries exploit workers by expecting them to work in unsafe environments, protect workers from abusive employers
- Often difficult for one or a few workers to bring about changes in their work environment, trade unions offer workers a strong voice and means to engage with employers
- When a company restructures its workforce and retrenches workers, trade unions help workers to negotiate fairer retrenchment packages
