Trade Unions
A trade union is an
organization of employees of an organization. Its membership should consist
mainly of workers. One of the main objectives of a trade union is to protect
and advance the interests of the workplace and its members. This can sometimes
take the form of a partnership agreement between the employer and the union
that identifies their common interests and objectives. Most unions are
independent of any employer, however, and try to build closer relationships
with employers
Trade Unions Are
- Negotiate
agreements with employers on pay and conditions.
- Discuss
major changes to the workplace such as large scale redundancy.
- Discuss
members' concerns with employers.
- Accompany
members in disciplinary and grievance meetings.
- Provide
members with legal and financial advice.
- Provide education facilities and certain consumer benefits such as discounted insurance.
The
Global Context of Trade Unions
Less than 20% of workers in 48 of the 92 surveyed
countries have seen their union membership decline over the past decade,
according to the International Labour Office's annual study of the world labour
market. According to the report, of the world's estimated workforce of 1.3
billion in 1995, approximately 164 million belonged to trade unions. However,
the above report says that despite the negative trends, the decline in the
number of unions has not turned into a corresponding decrease in impact. In
many countries trade unions have been able to consolidate their strength in key
sectors, recruit constituents in emerging sectors, and often devise new
collective bargaining strategies on a global scale
The organization I work for was a huge failure in
the '90s, largely due to trade union actions. In other words, the union went on
strike for a long time for narrow political purposes and during that time the
institution failed miserably. During that time many competing companies
expanded their dominance in the market as well. But at present we have no trade
unions in the company and the owners of the company deal with the employees in
a good manner. It has made it easier for the owners and employees of the
company to fulfil their wants and needs.
Conclusion
In my opinion, there is no need for trade unions in
today's society as in the past. Many private organizations treat the employees
as an asset and treat the employees at the highest level. But we know that
there are still many issues for employees in the public service. Trade unions
are very important to those workers and they should not use it for narrow ends.
References
economictimes, 2020. Definition
of 'Trade Union'. [Online]
Available at: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/definition/Trade-Union
[Accessed 16 November 2020].
International Labour Organization, 1997. Highlights
Global Challenge to Trade Unions. [Online]
Available at: https://www.ilo.org/global/about-the-ilo/newsroom/news/WCMS_008032/lang--en/index.htm
[Accessed 16 November 2020].
Rather than fighting for their rights these initiatives can be used for its emoloyees to engage in developing strategies which are supporting the organization to mive forward. And also there is a high opportunuty to develop them as future leaders where the company can strenthen its bench strenth and develop their competencies to take next level challenges.
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Agreed. Thank You Lakshan.
DeleteOverall very good article.enjoy reading.flow is very good and good referencing.keep up good work.
ReplyDeleteWhat you tried to emphasize in the conclusion as your opinion as “there is no need to trade unions “ is not acceptable. Trade unions must be there and at the same time trade unions must become a healthy team of employees to improve or develop them selfs as well as the organization rather than creating conflicts among management and employees.
ReplyDeleteIn the above statement I have never said that there is no need for trade unions. I have emphasized that there is no need like in the past. This is because many companies today consider the employee as an asset. If you look at the many private companies in the country, you will understand it very well.
DeleteThank you very much for your valuable comment.
With regard to your opinions on trade unions, what I believe is, there should be a trade union in the organization to protect employees. It doesn't say that the union should always fight with the employer, but still, there are mismatches between employer and employee expectations. In that case, trade union is a good method of convincing the employer as well as employee.
ReplyDeleteAgreed.
DeleteOverall ur blog is perfect but I think trade unions are important for many companies even today because many companies violate employee's rights.
ReplyDeletetrade union concept is out dated .the reason is today world is digitized already. so employee can complain anything any time high management or higher position in government sector with in a second. so they solve unsolvable problems
ReplyDeleteAgreed.
DeleteA trade union is a vital roll for a Organization since union is a bridge between the employee & employer.
ReplyDeleteAgreed.
DeleteTrade unions were meant to be representing the large employee force with the employer. However especially in the 3rd world countries these unions were absorbed by politics and most of the unions were backed by some political party. Because of this the unions did not fulfill their purpose. As a result this brought in many losses to the companies.
ReplyDeleteHowever with the modern HRM theories being promoted the employers have taken the employees into serious consideration. Also the legal system being strong the labor departments fully supporting the employees, more or less the need of unions hardly exist.
Agreed.
DeleteThe trade unions are indeed very usefull for the wellbeing of the company's and especislly it's employees provided that it is being used for the right purpose. I do observe some issue faced by employees at some organizations where the same could be addresses accurately if there are trade unions available with them. However, on the other hand in the present context, most of the trade unions have been misused by the political influences where they only fight for their rights and overlooking what their true responsibilities.
ReplyDeleteLabor unions takes an important place in an organization. Labor unions are for employees and to protect employees rights. There are many pros and cons of labor unions, mostly benefits. Author has described well about unions and functions. Although good article .
ReplyDelete"What you tried to emphasize in the conclusion is not acceptable as your opinion as there is no need for labor unions. Trade unions must be present and at the same time, instead of causing disputes between management and workers, trade unions must become a healthy team of employees to strengthen or develop themselves as well as the organization.
ReplyDeleteAs per the above article, many private organisations treat employees well. but they have monthly meetings called JCC( joint consultative committee)to find out employees needs and wants instead of trade unions. it's a very friendly meeting with the HR manager, respective HOD's and employee leaders. its is a good effort rather than fitting to achieve individual needs via trade unions.
ReplyDelete