trade unions Flashcards
what is a trade union?
An association of workers that defend their rights and interests.
What is collective bargaining?
Representatives of employees, such as trade unions, negotiate with employers regarding the terms and conditions of employment.
What is a trade dispute?
Where workers and the employer are arguing or negotiating over conditions of employment.
What is industrial action?
Where employees protest over some element of working conditions, usually in the form of a trade union.
Ways of protest include: withdrawing their labour for a period of time, going on strike or working to rule (only do what they are contractually obliged to do)
Ways to resolve disputes
- negotiation
- consultation
- arbitration (ACAS) - the Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service
What is negation?
Where a discussion between the union / workers and the employer takes place to reach an agreement
What is consultation?
Where the union / workers are asked for ideas / input on an issue before the employer makes a decision.
What is Arbitration? (ACAS)
A government organisation with expertise in industrial relations. ACAS can provide specialists to listen to each party’s problems and suggest solutions. ACAS cannot impose a solution on the parties.
