Trade unions

Question 1

If you belong to a trade union, you are called an ? Worker

Answer 1

Organized

Question 2

What is a trade union?

Answer 2

An organized group of workers in a specific profession that is formed to protect and further the workers rights and interests

Question 3

3 largest trade unions?

Answer 3

COSATU (Congress of South African trade unions)
FEDUSA (federation of unions of SA)
NACTU (national council of trade unions)

Question 4

Industrial action

Answer 4

Action taken by workers to protest against their employers

Question 5

What is a Go slow

Answer 5

When workers deliberately work slower and are less productive

Question 6

What is a strike

Answer 6

When workers stop working bc they want more money or are upset abt their working conditions

Question 7

What is a stay away?

Answer 7

When workers are told to stay away from work, similar to a strike

Question 8

What is picketing?

Answer 8

Picketing is when workers stand outside their place of work and hold up posters telling you what they’re protesting about

Question 9

What is a Wildcat strike?

Answer 9

unofficial strike not authorized by the employees trade union

Question 10

Employers can also take industrial action, e.g?

Answer 10

A lockout, stops work or denies employment, initiated by the employers of a company during a labor dispute, basically shut their employees out of the business

Question 11

What is collective bargaining

Answer 11

When trade unions have a meeting with their members employers to negotiate workers rights

Question 12

What are six other things a trade union does?

Answer 12

•negotiate with employers to improve members working conditions
•get gov. to make laws that improve members lives
•provide professional training
legal advice
legal representation for members
•represent workers interests during disputes w/ employers
•work w/ employers to get employees a greater say in decisions made
•ensure that all industrial action = lawful/peaceful

Question 13

Effect of industrial action on a business? (4 effects)

Answer 13

• lower productivity, meaning lower profits
• unfulfilled orders = unhappy customers taking their needs elsewhere
• damaged relationship betw employer & employees
• higher wages = higher costs for business

Question 14

Effect of industrial action on employees?

Answer 14

• loss of wages (not working so no wages)
• loss of jobs if business goes down
• If action fails, employees = weaker position
• members can be unhappy w their union & leave
• members feel pressured to join action

Question 15

Effects of industrial action on the country (1 reason)

Answer 15

Less foreign investment

Question 16

What do trade unions need to contribute to sustainable growth & development?

Answer 16

• Promote employment (providing education & employment)
• reduce poverty (pressure employers to comply w the basic conditions of employment act)
• stimulate economic growth (improve workers skills, motivation, make sure workers = healthy)