chapter 18 - trade union

Question 1

definition of:

trade union

Answer 1

an organisation which aims to protect the interest of its workers and terms & conditions of employment

• pay annual subscription fee
• bargain and negotiate for better terms & conditions

Question 2

objectives of employees

Answer 2

• maximise wages/ salaries
• work in a safe and healthy environment have good work terms and conditions
• maximise non wage benefits
• have job security

Question 3

objectives of employers

Answer 3

• maintain happy and well motivated employees
• maximise profit
• maximise sales
• minimise costs

Question 4

types of trade union

Answer 4

• industrial unions (all skilled and unskilled workers)
• craft unions (organise workers according to particular skills) aircraft mechanics
• ‘white collar’ unions (recruit professional, salaried workers) teaching, banking
• general unions (accept anyone regardless where they live, nature of work) have large membership of unskilled workers

*some professions don’t have trade unions; num of workers controlled due to high entry requirements

Question 5

role of trade unions

Answer 5

• protect interest of members
• give legal advise when necessary
• give support when they’re made redundant
• bargain with employers for better terms and conditions
• ensure safety and health secured
• persuade gov to pass legislation in favour of workers (min wage rate, max working hours)
• provide financial and legal support when dismissed unfairly

Question 6

definition of:

collective bargaining

Answer 6

process of trade union representatives negotiating on behalf of their workers members with employer representatives for better pay and conditions; the larger the number, the better its bargaining position is

Question 7

claim for higher wages based on:

Answer 7

• cost of living - inflation
• workers in comparable occupations get higher wages
• increased profits of firm
• increase in labour productivity

Question 8

definition of:

industrial actions

Answer 8

refers to measures taken by trade union members as a result of major disagreements or disputes with their employers

Question 9

types of industrial actions

Answer 9

• sit-in
• go-slow
• strike
• work-to-rule

Question 10

factors affecting strength of trade union?

Answer 10

• number of members

- degree of unity

Question 11

why is there an increase in the level of union membership?

Answer 11

• growth in manufacturing jobs (receive low pay in manufacturing industry)
• widening wealth gap and higher costs of living

Question 12

why is there a decline in level of trade union?

Answer 12

• gov legislation reduces trade union influences
• decline in manufacturing jobs
• increase in num of self employment people
• increase in num of small firms
• growth in part time employment
• increase in unemployment

Question 13

advantages of trade union membership

Answer 13

• channel of communication between employers and employees
• negotiate for better terms and conditions
• less conflict and develop improved industrial relations, increase in labour productivity
• offer legal support and advise

Question 14

disadvantages of trade unions membership

Answer 14

• cost of production increases as firms pay higher wages, profit decreases
• portrayed in media as negative role in economy, cause lost in productivity