Trade unions Flashcards
What is a trade union
-A group of workers who organize themselves with the aim of being able to negotiate with employers on behalf of employees using the collective bargaining process
What does it take for a trade union to be registered
-It must have a written constitution
-The trade union must not be affiliated with a political party
-The constitution must be in agreement with the prescriptions and requirements of the Labor Relations Act
What rights do people in a trade union have
-Employees have freedom of association
-They have the right to engage in industrial action
What are the 3 largest trade unions in South Africa
Cosatu- Congress of South African Trade Union
Fedusa-Federation of Union of South Africa
Nactu-National Council of Trade Union
What is the role of trade unions?
-They represent members during the collective bargaining process
-Management is willing to go through the collective bargaining process with the representative rather than individual employees
-Employees are willing to let trade unions represent them during collective bargaining to strengthen their negotiating power
What issues do trade unions deal with
-Unfair salaries
-Safety in the physical work environment
-Negotiate good working hours
-They try to negotiate better job security
Rights of trade unions
-Registered trade unions are allowed to consult with employees within their workspace
-Membership fees must be deducted from the member’s salary by the employer and paid to the trade union
-If more than 60% of employees in a business belong to one trade union they can appoint a representative which is one of those employeess
What are the 3 kinds of industrial actions
Strike- When 2 or more employees refuse to work due to work related issues and they choose to stay home
Go-slow- Employees deliberately work slowly which affects productivity levels
Picketing- Striking employees demonstrate publicly (only registered trade unions can organise pickets)
