TOPIC 11 - Trade Unions Flashcards
Explain the concept or give a definition of TRADE UNIONS
- ORGANIZED association of workers in a trade
- Formed to protect the workers RIGHTS
- In SOUTH AFRICA, there are trade unions for
>General workers
>White collar workers
> Blue collar workers
>Tradesmen
> see glossary on page 21
In South Africa, in which sectors are there Trade Unions?
-General Workers
- White collar workers
- Blue collar workers
- Tradesmen
What does NUM stand for?
National Union for mine workers
What does COSATU stand for?
C - Congress
O - of
S - South
A - African
T - Trade
U - Unions
What are the ROLES and RESPONSIBILITIES of trade unions?
Trade unions jump in to organize the following:
WORKERS can
- stop working and strike
- stop working overtime and work less overtime
- advertise their problems with posters and protest
- picket-stand outside and prevent others from entering
What is an UNPROTECTED strike?
- worker stop working
- when law of the country says they may NOT strike
Are essential services (police / medical staff) allowed to strike?
No
Explain the ROLE of a Trade Union
1) NEGOTIATE with employers through bargaining
2) Get the GOVERNMENT to pass laws to make the lives of workers better
3) Provide - training;
LEGAL advice;
legal representation
4) Organize STRIKES (industrial action)
5) REPRESENT workers during disputes with employers
Explain the RESPONSIBILITIES of a Trade Union
> NEGOTIATE with employers to improve working
conditions
Make reasonable DEMANDS
SETTLE disputes
> ATTRACT new members
> CANNOT force anyone to join Trade Union
> Make decisions through a VOTE
> Help to make PEACEFUL workplaces
> Ensure all strikes are LAWFUL and
PEACEFUL
What is the EFFECT of a Trade Union on a business?
Ensure that the business is familiar with the
1) Labour Relations Act (LRA) &
2) Constitution of South Africa
The LEGALISATION of Trade Unions provide what to workers?
The RIGHT to
- Join the trade union
- settle disagreements with their employers
