Chapter Overview
What are trade unions?
Organisations that represent workers collectively in negotiations with employers and governments.
Four types
General, Industrial, Craft, and White Collar — each represents different worker groups.
Three main roles
Bargain for wages/conditions, protect employment, and influence government policy.
Union strength varies
Seven key factors affect how much power a union has in negotiations.
Different perspectives
Unions have pros and cons for workers, firms, and the government — it's complicated.
Industrial action
When bargaining fails, unions use strikes, overtime bans, work-to-rule, and go-slows.
What is a Trade Union?
The Definition
A trade union is an organisation that represents the collective interests of workers in negotiations with a firm's management or owners. It acts like a legal representative for employees, fighting for their rights and better terms of employment.
What do unions protect?
Trade unions focus on three main areas of worker interests:
- Wages and non-wage benefits — pay rates, bonuses, holiday allowances, pension schemes, and other financial benefits
- Health and safety in the working environment — safe equipment, reasonable hours, protective gear, and hazard prevention
- Reduction of discrimination and worker exploitation — fair treatment regardless of gender, race, or background, and preventing unfair dismissal
How do workers join?
Workers who want to join a trade union pay a monthly subscription (fee). Their membership lasts only as long as they keep paying. If they stop paying the fee, they're no longer a member. It's like joining a membership club — you pay to be in, you get benefits, but if you stop paying, you're out.
What do union members get?
- Collective bargaining power — the union negotiates on their behalf rather than individuals fighting alone
- Job-specific training — unions often provide professional development and upskilling
- Legal representation — free advice and support if they have disputes with their employer
- Discounts and benefits — negotiated deals on goods and services
Practice Question
Explain what a trade union is and state three reasons why a worker might choose to join one.
Types of Trade Unions
Trade unions are usually formed by workers in specific industries. For example, airline pilots have a pilots' union, and rail and sea workers have a rail and maritime union. When there's no specialist union for an industry, workers can join a general union — like UNISON in the UK, which is the largest trade union in Britain and represents workers across the public sector (local government, education, and health).
one of four categories