Trade Unions Flashcards
What is a Trade Union?
Groups of workers that have organized themselves with the aim of being able to negotiate with their employers, using the process of collective bargaining.
A Trade Union’s activities must be guaranteed by which two rights?
1) employees have Freedom of Association which means that employees may join a union of their choice, which means that employers can instate a contract that an employee is not allowed to join a union.
2) the right to engage in Industrial Action on condition that the correct procedures are followed.
Why are Trade Unions important within the economic context in South Africa?
Trade Unions play an important role by being responsible for ensuring that businesses invest sufficient capital in the development of Human Capital/ Labour force so that they have the necessary resources to make a productive contribution to the economy of the country.
Will you allow your employees to belong to a union?
Yes, I would allow employees to join a trade union as it is, one, against the law to prevent them from exercising their rights and two, it provides more advantages for both the employer and worker to be honest and open about labour issues.
What are the three largest Trade Unions?
1) FEDUSA
2) NACTU
3) COSATU
Define the term collective bargaining
When workers who are members of a Trade Union, negotiate as a group, with their employer about pay, leave and working conditions.
Define the term freedom of association
Workers have the right to join, be part of, organise and support a Trade Union without the fear of negative action by an employer.
What are the three important dates within the Trade Union chapter?
1) 1995: SACTU was formed
2) 1985: COSATU was formed
3) 1994: the first democratic elections were held, allowing many trade union leaders to be elected to parliament
Which essential services are not prohibited to join/begin a strike?
- South African Police Services
- Medical personnel of state hospitals, doctors and nurses
- Members of Parliament
- Firefighters
Full name of COSATU
Congress of South African Trade Unions
Full name of SADTU
South African Democratic Teachers Union
Full name of FEDUSA
Federation of Unions of South Africa
Full name of NUM
National Union of Mineworkers
Full name of NACTU
National Council of Trade Unions
Full name SATAWU
South African Transport and Allied Workers Union
Why do employees join a union?
1) Job Security
2) Protection from employer abuse
3) Strong voices and means to engage with employers
4) Negotiation of fairer retrenchment packages
What is a strike?
A refusal to work by two or more employees, as a result of common work-related issues.
What was a strike previously described as?
“Downing tools”
“Work stoppage”
What is the difference between a protected and an unprotected strike?
A strike is regarded as protected when the correct procedures are followed, it is then also regarded as a legal strike. The opposite is true for an unprotected strike, neither the correct procedures are followed, nor is it considered a legal strike.
What is the aim of a trade union?
To represent the members during the collective bargaining process with the employer. Management is willing to be involved with this process, because they prefer to negotiate with a group of representatives, rather than with individual employees.
What are the responsibilities of trade unions?
— protection of employee rights
— ensuring employees are treated fairly
— represent members in negotiations with employers regarding: salaries, benefits, work safety and job security, working hours
— represent members during disciplinary procedures
— provide members advice on labor relations matters
What are the rights of trade unions?
— the right to consult with employees within the workplace
— membership fees must be deducting the employee’s salaries by the employer and then be paid to the trade union
— a Shop Steward to be appointed if more than 50% of the employees from a specific business belong to a trade union
Go-slow
When employees work, but deliberately, work slowly, thereby affecting productivity levels.
Picketing
A situation where striking employees demonstrate in a public place outside the premises of the employer
