The Right To representation

Question 1

What is a trade union

Answer 1

A group who represents groups of member workers.
They may negotiate with employers on issues such as wages, pensions, safety concerns or redundancy.

Question 2

What were the tolpuddle martyrs? (1834)
What was the general strike of 1926?

Answer 2

1834: trail of Tolpuddle Martyrs’ from Dorset-agricultural workers who were charged with taking a secret oath to form a trade union and were transported to Australia.
1926: general strike over wage cuts in the mining industry: royal commission appointed to investigate why attempts to cut wages failed. Gov respond by calling in troops and volunteers to break the strike. Trade unions congress issues order to return to work.

Question 3

Summarise the timeline of trade unions

Answer 3

-trade unions were illegal (1800)
-first trades union congress (1868)
-unions funds liable for damages from strikes
-trade disputes act reverses that Taff vale judgement
-trade union peaks at 13mil (1980)
-employment acts restrict action, give employers right to seek injunctions where there is doubt about the legality of action (1980-93)
-(2021)memberships at 6.44 mil

Question 4

Give 5 positives of trade unions

Answer 4

1. Members never have to face problems alone, representatives can support and advise
2. Workers in companies with a recognised trade union earn 10% more
3. Fewer accidents in unionised workplaces
4. Can work with gov to improve conditions
5. Promote fair, safe and discrimination free employment practices

Question 5

Give five negatives of trade unions

Answer 5

1. Strikes cause needles disruption to lives of ordinary people
2. Representatives try to prevent intro of more efficient ways of working which makes it harder for business success
3. Employees can buy legal insurance which costs less than a membership, includes expert support for employment problems
4. Spend too much time on political campaign, not enough supporting members
5. Produce high wages for members but fail to recruit workers in low skilled, low pay jobs so can’t represent their interests

Question 6

How are employers associations different to a trade union?

Answer 6

Employers associations:
-Represent business owners or companies
-focus on reducing labour costs, increasing efficiency etc
-defend business interests
-push for policies such as lower corporate taxes or fewer restrictions around hiring/firing employees