Trade Unions
What is a trade union?
Why do workers join a trade union?
When a person starts work they may be asked by someone who represents a
trade union if they want to join. In a factory this will usually be a S____
S______. A S____ S_______ is an unpaid representative of the union at
factory/office level. If the worker decides to join the trade union, they will pay
an annual subscription (a yearly fee). Part of this subscription will go towards
employing union officials. These officials will r__________ the views of the
union to the e__________ in a bid to achieve their aims.
What are the aims of a trade union?
1. To improve the pay of its members.
2.
3.
4.
What are the advantages to an employee of trade union membership
Strength in n_________
I__________ c__________ of employment, for example rates of
pay, holidays and hours of work.
Improved e__________ where people work, for example health
and safety, n______ and heating.
Improve b______ for members who are not working because
they are s____, r______ or have been made r___________.
Improved job s_________ by encouraging t_________.
A_______ and/or financial support if a member thinks they have
been unfairly d__________ or made redundant, they have
received u________ treatment, or have been asked to do
something which is nor p____ of their j___.
Benefits that have been n_________ or provided for union
members such as d_______ in certain shops, provision of
sporting f__________ or clubs.
Employment where there is a c______ s_____. A closed shop is
where all employees must be a member of the s_____ union.
Why is having a closed shop important?
In some countries a closed shop may be in operation in certain
business, to gain employment in these businesses you would have to
agree to become a union member.
Employees feel it is unfair if non-union members gain increases in pay
or improved w______ c_______ that the union has achieved for
members.
Trade unions have greater strength when negotiating to improve p___
or c________ if all the business’ employees are members of the union.
Some people consider that it is unfair to be forced to join a particular
union – they should be allowed to make their own choices.
Single-union agreements
A single-union agreement is when a firm will only deal with o___ particular
trade union and n_ others.
Advantages to employees of a single union agreement
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
Advantages to employers of a single union agreement
There is only one union to negotiate with management – discussions
are clearer.
A better working relationship should develop between the m_________
and the u_______.
Disputes are probably solved more q_________ as only one union is
involved in negotiating.
It is easier to agree changes to the working conditions and less time is
wasted in a___________.
A better relationship betwwe management and employees mean fewer
industrial disputes which is better for both employees and employers
What are the four main types of trade union in the UK:
1. General Unions
_________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
______________
2. Industrial Unions
_________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
______________
3. _______ ________. These are fairly small unions for skilled workers
performing the same or similar work in different industries (e.g.
musicians).
4. White c____ Unions. These are for ‘white-collar’ (or professional)
workers who perform the same or similar tasks in different industries
(e.g. teachers, scientists).
Activity
a) Each of the following workers needs to be advised on which type of
trade union to join. Decide which trade union would be the best type of
union for them to join and explain your choice.
John is a skilled electrician and works for a large public limited
company. He could join a craft union for electricians or he could
join a general union. There is no industry union to
join.________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
Jai works in a small shop and has not had any training._______
___________________________________________________
Misha works for the government in their taxation office. She has
many qualifications and has several people working in her
department. _________________________________________
___________________________________________________
The structure of a trade union
President
National Executive
Head Office
Regional Offices Regional Offices Regional Offices Regional Offices
Branch