Trade Unions

Question 1

What is a Trade Union?

Answer 1

It is an organized association of workers that is formed to protect and further the workers’ rights and interests.

Question 2

What is a General worker?

Answer 2

Skilled and unskilled employees in a range of industries.

Question 3

What is a Tradesmen?

Answer 3

Employees with particular skills

Question 4

What is a White-collar worker?

Answer 4

Professionals

Question 5

What is a Blue-collar worker?

Answer 5

Skilled and Unskilled workers in a particular industry

Question 6

What is the aim of a Trade Union?

Answer 6

One of the main aims is to protect and advance the workers’ interests

Question 7

Functions of Trade Unions

Answer 7

Negotiate with employers to improve wages and working conditions.
Work to get the government to pass laws to improve workers’ lives.
Provide professional training, legal advice and representation.
Help employees have a greater say.

Question 8

What actions can employees/unions take?

Answer 8

Strike.
Stop working overtime.
Advertise their problems with posters and protests.
Picket-stand outside and block people from entering.
employees can shut other employees out of businesses or factories.

Question 9

Advantages and disadvantages of Trade Unions on workers

Answer 9

Advantages - Unions bargain for higher wages.
Represent workers at employment hearings.
Disadvantages - Continuous push for higher wages can lead to unemployment.
Higher wages can lead to inflation.

Question 10

Advantages and disadvantages of Trade Unions on employers.

Answer 10

Advantages - Can assist with better working techniques to improve productivity.
Can bring workers closer to management to represent their interests.
Higher wages boost motivation and productivity of workers.
Resolve conflict.
Disadvantages - Strikes lead to a stop in production.
Strikes can lead to conflict.
Violent strikes create a bad image for business and country.
Loss of investment
People lose jobs.