Trade Unions Flashcards
Define trade union
Group of workers that have organised themselves with the aim of being able to negotiate with their employers, using the process of collective bargaining
What are the 2 rights that are guaranteed?
Freedom of association - May join a union of choice
Right to engage in industrial action (protest &
strike) on condition that correct procedures is
followed - Unions organise strikes to attempt to force an
employer to negotiate to reach agreement
Does a trade union have to be registered?
No
Where must a trade union register? And what requirements must be met?
Register with department of Labour & meet following requirements:-
•Must have a written constitution
•Constitution must be in agreement with prescriptions of LRA (Labour Relations Act)
•Trade Unions may not be affiliated to any political party
What is the most important aim of a trade union?
To represent members during collective bargaining
process with employer
Why is management willing to be involved in the process of collective bargaining?
They prefer to negotiate with group of representatives, rather than with individual employees
What strengthens a trade union’s negotiation power?
Trade union representatives
What are the 4 requirements of trade unions?
Does not have to be registered
Written Constitution
Abide by the LRA
May not be affiliated with Political Party
What are the rights of a trade union?
Represents workers during the collective bargaining process
A registered Trade Union may have meetings with members in the workplace.
Membership fees may be deducted from the employees’ salaries
What are the responsibilities of a trade union?
The protection of employees’ rights during collective bargaining
Represent members in negotiations with employers regarding different issues
To represent members during disciplinary procedures
Give members advice
What impact does trade unions make on businesses?
Trade Unions contribute to economic, political & social change, but it is important that trade unions & businesses realise that they cannot afford to work against each other
• They need to work in unison to ensure that SA has a productive economy which can compete internationally
• A strong stable economy will help with social & economic development in the long term & ensure political stability
• Trade unions are responsible for ensuring that businesses invest sufficient capital in the development of Human Capital (labour force) so that they have the necessary human resources to make a productive contribution to the economy of the country
What are negative impacts that trade unions make on businesses?
Trade unions are not usually associated with conflict resolution, instead they are perceived as the reason for conflict, which is partly due to the history of unions when employees had to use labour movements like trade unions to express themselves, because certain political parties were banned
• Trade unions still play a political role to some degree although, according to the law, any political affiliation is prohibited
• Trade unions have a lot of power, however they should only be involved in looking after the interests of the workforce & must do what is best for its members when negotiating with employers & not get involved in politics under the premises of promoting the specifications of the Labour Relations Act
Name 3 ways that trade unions organise industrial action when businesses cannot agree on certain issues during collective bargaining.
- A strike can be identified as a refusal to work by 2+ employees, as a result of common work related issues
- A go-slow takes place when employees work, but deliberately slowly, therefore affecting productivity levels
- Picketing refers to a situation where striking employees demonstrate in a public place outside the premises of the employer. Only registered Trade Unions may organise pickets
Name 3 essential services.
- The South African police service (SAPS)
- Doctors & nurses- as these services are vital & the interruption thereof could endanger people’s health & safety
- Members of parliament
Under what conditions are employees allowed to go on strike?
If they follow the correct procedures whilst organising a strike, it will be protected and legal & they will not be fired whilst striking. (also known as a protected strike)
