Define a Trade Union and what are their roles?

[Anandi]

It is an organisation of employees that represents the interest of workers when negociating with employers and or the Government.

Roles
1. Ensures job security
2. Salary
3. Working hours
4. Working environment
5. Standars of living
6. Travellung expenses
7. Sick and early leave
8.  Insurance
9. Bonus
10. Meal allowance
11. Fight for unfair dismissal

[Kavin77]

Hi Anandi, well I would like to add to this thread.

AIMS OF TRADE UNIONS

• To increase the wages of their members
• To improve their working conditions
• To agree a certain number of hours to be worked each week
• To support members who have problems with managers
• To get extra benefits for workers e.g. pensions

HOW DO THEY GO ABOUT IT?

- Negotiations with managers i.e. general discussions
- Industrial action e.g. strike
- Help and pay to represent workers in court or legal battles

PRO’s AND CON’s OF STRIKES

PRO’s

- Has an immediate effect as production halts e.g. trains stop running if the drivers strike
- Businesses suffer and have to take notice
- May get coverage on TV or in newspapers.

CONS

- May cause anger from the general public e.g. bus passengers
- Workers don’t get paid when on strike
- Notice has to be given otherwise it is illegal

Overall the effect will probably depend upon:

- The % of the workforce willing to strike
- The support of the general public
- The strength of the management to battle it out
- The industry itself which is going on strike, a trade union consisting of doctors or professionals will have more power that an association of labourers.