Trade unions

Question 1

What are trade unions

Answer 1

Union of workers that promote and protect the interests of their members

Question 2

What are the functions of trade unions (5)

Answer 2

-> Improve pay
-> Improve working conditions
-> Support against unfair dismissal or treatment
-> Provides training
-> Take industrial actions
-> Improve non-wage benefits

Question 3

What is collective bargaining

Answer 3

Negotiations between employers and the union on the pay and working conditions

Question 4

When can trade unions bargain(4)

Answer 4

• Increased productivity of workers
• Increase in sales and consumer demand
• Workers in other firms are receiving higher pay
• Increased cost of living/ Inflation

Question 5

Name 3 Industrial disputes and explain

Answer 5

Strike - Workers refuse to produce goods/services

Overtime-ban - Workers don’t work beyond their working hours

Go Slow - Workers produce products at a slow rate

Question 6

Advantages - Workers

Answer 6

• Feel represented
• Improved conditions

Question 7

Disadvantages - Workers

Answer 7

• During strike - won’t be paid

Question 8

Advantages - Firms

Answer 8

• Increased morale - Increased productivity
• Faster negotiations

Question 9

Disadvantages - Firms

Answer 9

• Higher costs of production for reduced output
• Less profitability

Question 10

Advantages - Economy

Answer 10

• Representation of individuals

Question 11

Disadvantages - Economy

Answer 11

• Less competitive market
• More unemployment rates
• Total output is impacted (industrial disputes)