Trade Unions

Question 1

What is a trade union?

Answer 1

An organisation that works for its members, mainly in the workplace, who are concerned with issues such as wage levels, health and safety

Question 2

What are the main characteristics of the average trade union member?

Answer 2

Female, white, aged 35-49, works in a larger office or factory, or a professional (teacher, nurse)

Question 3

What are 3 methods used by trade unions?

Answer 3

Work to rule- if teachers were asked to work to rule (EIS), they wouldn’t do extra activities for the school.
Strike- Care workers in Doncaster have been on strike for 3 months. CareUK wanted to reduce their wage by 35%.
Demonstrations- TUC organised a demonstration for the living wage campaign with 90 thousand people who took to the streets

Question 4

What are two rights that trade union members have?

Answer 4

Report their problem to the shop steward- employee of a bank being bullied for working too hard.
Joining a trade union- might be self employed

Question 5

What are two responsibilities that trade union members have?

Answer 5

Being honest with the shop steward- if they tell a lie the shop steward will be in a difficult position.
Respect the democratic wish of the democracy- someone might want to take industrial action but other people might be against it.