Roles and Functions of Trade Unions Flashcards
Why do people join Trade Unions?
T.Us exist - as an individual worker has very little power to influence decision that are made about his or her job.
By joining together with other workers, there is more chance of having a voice and influence.
They can have better;
* Pay.
* Working conditions.
Union protection if there is a problem at work.
What are the functions of Trade Unions? (9)
- Uniting employees with common interests.
- Negotiating improvements in employment conditions and pay rates. (Negotiation with employers & govt)
- Maintaining agreed employment conditions; Ensuring salary increases and better infrastructure + Better equipment for employees’ safety.
- Negotiating disputes on behalf of members. (Salary, Overtime)
- Ensuring job security and adequate compensation. (e.g to avoid unnecessary termination of contract of employment by employers, to ensure adequate compensation upon leaving the job).
- Providing a mechanism for members to express job dissatisfaction.
- Control members’ activities and discipline if necessary.
- Offering services like pension rights information, car insurance schemes, and union directive advice.
9.Organizing training courses for union representatives.
What is the role of Trade Unions & Their Representatives? (Interaction, How)
T.Us focuses on what members want but also sees the value in working with employers, since a thriving/successful business helps both the union and its members.
An employer and a T.U interact in a number of ways, as set out below:
- Negotiating Collective Agreements
- Informing and Consulting
- Representing workers at Disciplinary and Grievance Hearings
Explain ‘Negotiating Collective Agreements’.
(Agree - T.U, Who are in it, Aim + Examples, Other C.A)
If an employer recognizes a T.U at the workplace, means that; agrees to negotiate with it about employment terms for workers within a defined bargaining unit.
This unit may include all workers or specific(/certain) categories(It is common) like production line operatives or technicians.
Collective bargaining aims to establish a collective agreement between a recognized T.U(or group) and an employer(or group), typically outlining terms and conditions like pay, benefits, and working time for workers in the bargaining unit.
Other collective agreements are procedural, regulating the working relationship between the union(s) and employer(s).
Explain ‘Informing and consulting’.
(How do it, About what, Result)
Employers are generally required to inform and consult with representatives of a recognised T.U about:
- Possible Redundancies
- Transfers of Business Ownership
- Pension Schemes
- Health and Safety issues at work
Hence, through T.Us, workers are better informed about the activities & plans of the employers well.
Explain ‘Representing workers at disciplinary and grievance hearings’.
(Right of employees, By who)
Employees have the right to be accompanied at a disciplinary hearing.
They can choose to be accompanied by a co-worker or a union representative. Often, they are accompanied by the union representative.
What are the advantages of Recognising A Trade Union?
Employers often prefer dealing directly with their workers without T.U involvement, but recognizing and working closely with a T.U has many advantages.
- Single point of contact
- Worker involvement
- Experience in employment relations
Explain ‘Single point of contact’.
It is easier to negotiate terms and conditions with workers through a single body rather than individually.
This saves time and is more efficient.
Explain ‘Worker involvement’.
Employers negotiating with unions foster trust and commitment among their workforce, reducing employee turnover and motivating them to work harder for the company.
Explain ‘Experience in employment relations’.
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Union representatives provide legal advice on HR and employment law, helping employers in tough situations.
Employers can show support by paying attention to workers’ issues and encouraging union representatives to be more receptive to difficult choices.
