Trade unions Flashcards
(19 cards)
What is a trade union?
An organisation that represents the interests of its workers in negotiations with a firm’s management or owners.
What are the interests of workers that trade unions represent?
–> Wage and non-wage benefits of employment
–> Health and safety in the working environment
–> The reduction of discrimination and worker exploitation
Give an example of a specific trade union.
Pilots’ union for airline pilots.
How are trade unions classified?
Into four categories:
- general
- industrial
- craft
- white collar
What is a general union?
Represents skilled and unskilled workers in any industry.
What is an industrial union?
Represents workers in the same industry, regardless of skill level or seniority.
What is a craft union?
Represents skilled workers with a specific trade.
What is a white collar union?
Represents professional office-based (‘white-collar’) workers.
What is a subscription in trade unions?
The monthly fee paid by workers to join a trade union.
What happens to union membership if the subscription fee is not paid?
Membership for them ends and they don’t get any of the benefits.
List some benefits of union membership.
–> Collective bargaining
–> Job-specific training
–> Legal representation in disputes
–> Discounts on a wide range of goods/services
What is industrial action?
Methods used by trade unions to force employers/governments to continue engaging with them.
Name the 4 methods of industrial action.
–> Strikes
–> Overtime bans
–> Work to rule
–> Go-slows
How do trade unions impact equilibrium wages and employment?
Their intervention changes the equilibrium wages and employment in the labour market.
What do trade unions negotiate for regarding wages?
–> Acceptable wage levels
–> Increased wages with comparative industry pay increases
–> Inflation-linked pay rises
–> Higher wages when firms are making profits
What do trade unions negotiate for in terms of working conditions?
–> Standard weekly working hours
–> Overtime payments
–> Improvements to working conditions and equipment
What is one role of trade unions in protecting employment?
Negotiates for the job security of workers if they machinery was to replace human capital
What do trade unions negotiate regarding relocation of firms?
Resettlement packages for workers when firms relocate.
negotiates on the…
What is one way trade unions influence government policy?
Negotiates on the creation/maintenance of minimum wage levels.
