Trade Unions Flashcards
What is a trade union
An organized group of workers in a trade or profession that is formed to protect and further the workers rights and interests. It helps improve workers working conditions
How to trade unions fight for their workers rights
They strike legally and negotiate better wages and working conditions for members
What is SACTU
South African Congress of trade unions
What is the biggest labour federation in our country ?
Congress of South African Trade Unions(COSATU) which was established in 1985 and has 1.8 million members
What does COSATU do
It takes a stand against racism,promotes worker control and international worker solidarity
Name 4 Trade unions in SA
•National Union of Mineworkers(NUM)
•South African Democratic Teachers’ union(SADTU)
•Food and Allied WorkersUnion(FAWU)
•South African Municipal Workers union (SAMWU)
• South African Transport and Allied Workers Union(SATAWU)
Name 5 roles of trade unions
1- Represent members in disciplinary hearings
2 - Improve productivity of workers
3 - Offer education and training to members
4 - Improve conditions of services
5 - Represent workers in the collective bargaining process
Unions have the right to
•Register with the department of labour
• Collective bargaining
• Strike within the parameter of the law
• Collect compulsory membership fees
• Monitor workers on a regular basis
Unions have the responsibility to
●Commit to finding solutions to employer/employee dispute
● Organise legal, organised and disciplined strikes
● Ensure the safety of non-striking members
●Discipline members that intimidate other members,utilise membership fees wisely and keep financial records
What does the constitution of SA and the labor relations act(LRA) give workers and their union the right to do ?
● Join a trade union
●Settle disagreements with employers throughout the Commission for Conciliation ,Meditation and Arbitration (CCMA) which is an independent third part
●Be at the workplace for union reasons
● Take time off for union activities
● Elect trade union representatives at workplace
What do businesses need to know to accommodate trade unions
Collective Bargaining
Workplace Forums
Industrial action
Disciplinary action
What is collective bargaining
A process that workers and employees use to negotiate working conditions
Workplace Forums
Employee forums that give Employees a say in how a business is run
Industrial action
Action taken by employees of a company as a process e.g. striking
Disciplinary action
Including disputes and dismissals
Name the 2 forms of industrial action
Organised and unorganised
Name how unorganised industrial action is done
Low levels of effort
Unofficial strikes
High levels of absenteeism
Inefficient work
Deliberate time wasting
Name how organised industrial action is taken
Strikes
Sit-ins
Go-slows
Picketing
What is the role of a trade union
Serve as a communication between employees and employers and work in the best interests of the employee at all times
