1. Trade Union

 

Trade Union

What is Trade Union

Trade Union is an organization formed by employees to maintain and improve the conditions of employment.

                                    


Karl Marx Definition – 

The value of labor power constitutes the conscious and exploit foundation of the Trade Union.

Modern Definition – 

Trade Union is an organization consisting predominantly of employees, the principal activities of which include the negotiation of rates of pay and condition of employment for its members.




History of Trade Union

     


     In 1919, the first Trade Union established for black workers. The industrial and commercial union (I.C.U) was formed by Clernens Kadale and some dockworkers. Their primary goals were to earn a minimum living wages and decent working hours. With the industrial revolution, the Trade Union became popular in many countries.




Importance of Trade Union

Ø    Negotiate better pay                          

Ø    Discourage individuality

Ø    Personal protection

Ø    Grievance procedures

Ø    Improve employee relations

Ø    Equality

Ø    Providing security to the workers

Ø    Informing and consulting




Why do employees join Trade Union

·       Job Security

Employees want to ensure that management will not make unfair decisions, treatment, wrongful termination, discrimination to employees.

·       Better Working Condition

Workers like to work under safer and healthier working environments. Trade union help for this by pushing regulations and practices

·       Access to Resources

Legal support, training and development programs are being provided by the trade union

·       Communication

Employees can be communicated with management about their dissatisfaction and frustration as powerful, stronger collective voice

·       Collective Bargaining Power

Employees are able to negotiate with employers to determine of employment, better wages, benefits, working hours, leave, health and safety, ways to balance work and family and more.

 

          




Conclusion

 In Sri Lanka, Trade unions are more active in the public sector than private sector. Most of the private firms are not allow the formation of trade union. It is remarkable features of this trade union of public sector that it goes beyond its main objectives and works in connection with the political parties in Sri Lanka. Therefore, at present the trade union will only serve the needs of the respective political party. This situation can be seen clearly in following fields.

·       Health

·       Education

·       Transportation

·       Power and Energy ………etc.

Due to the inconvenience caused to the common people by these trade union action, the trade unions have been deteriorating among the common people. However, the trade union that operate in accordance with the main objective have faced a strong challenge to protect the wages and benefits of their members. The reason for that is the current economic crisis in Sri Lanka and the rising cost of living.

 

References

v  The Australian Bureau of Statistic https://www.abs.gov.au/

vhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trade_union#:~:text=Originating%20in%20the%20United%20Kingdom,students%2C%20apprentices%20or%20the%20unemployed.

v https://www.unison.org.uk/about/what-we-do/about-trade-unions/

v https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/introduction-trade-unions

v https://www.jobinrwanda.com/news/13-advantages-and-disadvantages-laborunions

v https://www.gettyimages.com/photos/trade-union-official

v https://www.laborsoft.com/blog/pros-and-cons-of-labor-unions

vhttps://www.saha.org.za/workers/formation_of_the_icu.htm#:~:text=In%201919%2C%20the%20first%20trade,wage%20and%20decent%20working%20hours.

vhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tSLjDqJakU&pp=ygUTdHJhZGUgdW5pb24gaGlzdG9yeQ%3D%3D

vhttps://www.google.com/imgres?q=collective%20bargaining&imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fnlradvocates.com%2Fwp-zontent%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F03%2FCollective-Bargaining-Blog.jpeg&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fnlradvocates.com%2Fcollective-bargaining-5-critical-steps-to-guarantee-a-win%2F&docid=Ka7JI9Z0qredTM&tbnid=PgxNxveIQhTHVM&vet=12ahUKEwjuxN7Y3pKJAxUMkq8BHc6bNDsQM3oECBgQAA..i&w=593&h=420&hcb=2&ved=2ahUKEwjuxN7Y3pKJAxUMkq8BHc6bNDsQM3oECBgQAA

https://aflcio.org/what-unions-do/empower-workers/collective-bargaining

 

 

Comments

  1. Nice job explaining trade unions and their importance in protecting workers' rights. Trade unions negotiate better wages, job security, and fair treatment for employees, giving them a stronger voice in the workplace. They can also help resolve conflicts and ensure safe working conditions, which benefits both the workforce and the organization.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Trade unions provide essential support for job security, fair treatment, and improved working conditions. However, in Sri Lanka, political affiliations and economic challenges have complicated their role, especially in public sectors.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Very important article with full of knowledge to learn. Nicely elaborated the history, value and the benefits of trade unions. In HRM perspective, it is important to educate the employees the way of use trade unions to protect the industry and improve core values.

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  4. Your insights about trade unions in the public sector resonate deeply. It’s true that many have strayed from their core mission, aligning too closely with political agendas rather than advocating for employees. A strong trade union should amplify workers' voices, fostering a beneficial relationship for all parties involved. Open debates and discussions are essential to realign these organizations with their foundational goals. Your perspective sheds light on a crucial issue, encouraging us to rethink how trade unions can better serve employees and communities alike.

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  5. This is a clear overview of trade unions, explaining their purpose and importance for workers. It highlights how trade unions negotiate for better pay, working conditions, and job security. Joining a union gives employees a stronger voice and access to valuable resources, making it essential for their rights.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Insightful post on the role of trade unions! Highlighting their importance in protecting employee rights and fostering fair workplace practices, this article underscores the value of unions in creating balanced employer-employee relationships. Great read!

    ReplyDelete
  7. This article gives a concise introduction to trade unions, highlighting their function in defending workers' rights, enhancing working conditions, and obtaining employment. It discusses their background, significant turning points, and difficulties, especially in Sri Lanka, where they are more involved in politics and the public sector.

    ReplyDelete
  8. This blog beautifully captures the rich history and vital role of trade unions, from their roots in 1919 to their ongoing impact today. By exploring their importance in advocating for fair wages, security, and collective bargaining, it paints a vivid picture of why unions matter to workers everywhere. According to my POV trade Unions must be there in all companies and unless it does not affect the productivity and profitability of companies.

    ReplyDelete

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