Introduction on Trade Unions (TUs)
The classic definition of a trade union is “a continuous
association of wage earners for the purpose of maintaining or improving the
conditions of their employment”
The Trade Union of to-day is often spoken of as the lineal De-
scendant of the ancient Craft Gilds
Types of Trade Unions
The trade unions have categorized as Company union, general or
industrial union, craft union and white-collar union
Functions of Trade Unions
Protection and promoting the interest of workers and glooming the
conditions of their employment are the basic functions of TUs. Those are
separated as militant, fraternal, social, political and ancillary functions
Introduction on Employee Relations
Employee
relations are concerned with managing the employment relationship and the
psychological contract. They consist of the approaches and methods adopted by
employers to deal with employees either collectively through their trade unions
or individually. This includes providing employees with a voice and developing
communications between them and management (Armstrong
& Taylor, 2014). Workers’ perceptions of management–employee
relations depend on practices and structures underpinning the relationship
between management and employees (both collectively and individually) as well
as individuals’ own work experiences (Katz et al., 1985). Employee relations
policies express the philosophy of the organization on what sort of
relationships are wanted between management and employees and, where necessary,
their unions, and how the pay–work bargain should be managed
A
social partnership policy will aim to develop and maintain a positive,
productive, cooperative and trusting climate of employee relations
Briefly, the formation of trade unions has been done merely to bargain for wage increases. However, with the evolution and transformation of the industry models (manufacturing, service etc.) from traditional nature to the modern, trade union itself has transformed the duties to a broader aspect rather than focusing only on the wages. This has also become a major communication link between the management and ground level employees to bargain their worker rights.
References
Armstrong, M. & Taylor, S., 2020. Armstrong's handbook of human
resource management practice. United States: Kogan Page Publishers.
Armstrong,
M. and Taylor, S., 2014. Armstrong's handbook of human resource management
practice, 13th edition. London: Kogan Page.
Armstrong, N. &
Smith, D., 2015. Cricket. Cetura, Volume 5, pp. 104-107.
Boal, W. M. &
Ransom, M. M., 2015. Monopsony in the labor market. Journal of economic
literature, 35(1), pp. 86-112.
Katz, H.C. and Sabel C.F., 1985. Industrial relations & industrial
adjustment in the car industry. Induatrial Relations: A Journal of Economy and
Society, 24(3), pp.295-315.
Kesküla, E. &
Sanchez, A., 2019. "Everyday barricades: bureaucracy and the affect of
struggle in trade unions.". Dialectical Anthropology, 43(1), pp. 109-125.
Mette, J. et al., 2017.
“It’s still a great adventure”–exploring offshore employees’ working conditions
in a qualitative study. Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, 12(1),
p. 35.
Oka, C., 2016.
"Improving working conditions in garment supply chains: The role of unions
in Cambodia.". British Journal of Industrial Relations, 54(3), pp. 647-672.
Räthzel, N. &
Uzzell , D., 2019. The future of work defines the future of humanity and all
living species. International Journal of Labour Research, 9(1/2), pp. 145-171.
Tebetso, T. T., 2020.
THE ROLE OF BOTSWANA TRADE UNIONS IN PROMOTING EMPLOYEE RELATIONS IN AN
ORGANISATION: THE CASE OF BOTSWANA EXAMINATION COUNCIL.. Revue Européenne du
Droit Social , 48(3), pp. 118-126.
A Trade union is an association of workers formed to protect the interest of workers. -it is an instrument of defense against exploitation( i.e. help in protection of labor rights) The most common purpose of trade union association is maintaining or improving the conditions of employment at work place such as ensuring safety standards, right to paid leave, right to be protected on unfair termination of employment , right to equality on working organization The trade union through its leadership bargains with the employer on behalf of union members and negotiates labour contracts. Trade union association can exist in three forms
ReplyDeletei. Employer and employees
ii. Employer and employer
iii. Employees and employees (Ally, 2016)
Yes Janaka, with no surprise, trade unions include the relationship between employers and employers as well. Trade Unions finally drives on the purpose of improving the employee condition which is one facet of professional recognition of same (Mudalige, 2015).
DeleteHi Kelum, The purpose of the union is to represent the interests of the employee, so union intervention consists of a collective bargaining process for awards and agreements to provide application performance evaluation and protection around performance-related pay (Lysson, 2011).
ReplyDeleteYes Ranga, a trade union is also an association of workers formed with the object of improving the conditions of workers and formed for protecting the interests of workers, unions have little bargaining capacity when they are unorganized(Clarke & Pringle, 2009).
DeleteHi Kelum, from a management point of view, it is more useful to work with union members who represent all employees than to deal with employees individually and this saves time and is cost effective as conflicts can be resolved (Gennard & Judge, 2005). This confirms that work strikes do not occur, thereby avoiding adverse effects on employee productivity and efficacy (Gennard & Judge, 2005). Management will hear from employees about the views of employees on many important aspects of the company's policies and they can use this information to make important decisions that affect employees (Gennard & Judge, 2005).
ReplyDeleteYes Eranga, working with unions in a manner that the employees as well as the employer get the benefit/reward in terms of wage increases and benefits for employees and productivity and increase in bottom line for the organization is very important to survive in a very competitive market(Rose & Wincoop, 2001).
DeleteAll employees who are trade union member have certain rights in respect of their union membership. For example, an employee has the right not to be dismissed for choosing to join or remain a member of trade union. Where these rights are held to have been breached, an employer may face claims of automatic unfair dismissal (Trade Unions and Employee Relations 2019).
ReplyDeleteYes Romesh, union membership is a free entry and exit since the employee has the freedom to join or leave, when the bargained claims are not visible through the union(Kelly, 2015).
DeleteA trade union is an organization made up of members (a membership-based organization) and its membership must be made up mainly of workers. One of a trade union's main aims is to protect and advance the interests of its members in the workplace. Most trade unions are independent of any employer. However, trade unions try to develop close working relationships with employers. This can sometimes take the form of a partnership agreement between the employer and the trade union which identifies their common interests and objectives (Nidirect, 2020)
ReplyDeleteYes Malika, this basic right of union membership to employees gives more power than tried to negotiate as an individual for a employee right and is independent from the employer keeping the trust of members(Scheuer, 2011).
DeleteA trade union is an association consisting of members (a membership-based organization) and its membership must consist primarily of employees. One of the key goals of a trade union is to safeguard and promote the rights of its members in the workplace. Many labor unions are autonomous from any employer. Trade unions, however, attempt to establish strong working ties with employers. This may often take the form of an employer-trade union relationship arrangement that identifies (Tebetso, 2020).
ReplyDeleteYes , while safeguarding the rights of the employees, union also act as a initiator to have considerable leverage to influence working conditions under potentially dangerous circumstances for workers(Statham, 2008).
DeleteA trade union is an association consisting of members (a membership-based organization) and its membership must consist primarily of employees. One of the key goals of a trade union is to safeguard and promote the rights of its members in the workplace. Many labor unions are autonomous from any employer. Trade unions, however, attempt to establish strong working ties with employers. This may often take the form of an employer-trade union relationship arrangement that identifies (Tebetso, 2020).
ReplyDeleteYes , union also act as a initiator to have considerable leverage to influence working conditions under potentially dangerous circumstances for workers(Statham, 2008).
DeleteA trade union is an association consisting of members (a membership-based organization) and its membership must consist primarily of employees. One of the key goals of a trade union is to safeguard and promote the rights of its members in the workplace. Many labor unions are autonomous from any employer. Trade unions, however, attempt to establish strong working ties with employers. This may often take the form of an employer-trade union relationship arrangement that identifies (Tebetso, 2020).
ReplyDeleteYes Malinga, while safeguarding the rights of the employees, union also act as a initiator to have considerable leverage to influence working conditions under potentially dangerous circumstances for workers(Statham, 2008).
DeleteArmstrong (2014), defines employee relations as how organizations manage its relationship with employees and trade unions. Therefore trade unions which are also called as Labor unions play an important role in being the mediator between the organization and employee to create a harmonious workplace (Quain, 2019).
ReplyDeleteYes Sonali, Employee relations programs are typically part of a human resource strategy designed to ensure the most effective use of people to accomplish the organization's mission(Leat, 2009).
DeleteOrganizational commitment often has been viewed as a necessary and essential element in measuring employee behavior in organizations, which also tends to vary based on organizational/work settings (Brian & Christopher, 2011). Producing employee commitment has also been seen as a leading issue that many managers face in running their organizations (Chew & Chan, 2008). The importance of creating commitment has been enhanced ever before due to its high association in increasing organizational productivity, performance, employee satisfaction as well as lowering absenteeism (Payne & Huffman, 2005).
ReplyDeleteAdding more to your comments, at an organizational level higher employee commitment is related to lower levels of staff turnover, absenteeism and tardiness which will eventually lead to significantly higher customer satisfaction and profitability(Markos & Sridevi, 2010).
DeleteAccording to the international labour review journal (2000), two resolutions of the International Labour Conference itself — which provide guidelines for ILO policy — in one way or another emphasized recognition of the right to strike in member States. The “Resolution concerning the Abolition of Anti-Trade Union Legislation in the States Members of the International Labour Organisation”, adopted in 1957, called for the adoption of “laws … ensuring the effective and unrestricted exercise of trade union rights, including the right to strike, by the workers ” (ILO, 1957, p. 783). Similarly, the “Resolution concerning Trade Union Rights and Their Relation to Civil Liberties”, adopted in 1970, invited the Governing Body to instruct the Director-General to take action in a number of ways “with a view to considering further action to ensure full and universal respect for trade union rights in their broadest sense”, with particular attention to be paid, inter alia, to the “right to strike ” (ILO, 1970, pp. 735-736). The right to strike has also been affirmed in various resolutions of the ILO’s regional conferences and industrial committees, as well as by other international bodies ( Hodges-Aeberhard and Odero, 1987, pp. 543 and 545).
ReplyDeleteYes Surendra, Every right comes with inherited own duties, and right to protest and strike is a fundamental right of the employees(Lambert, 2005).
DeleteTrade unions are voluntary organizations formed to represent workers’ attentiveness, which employees will join free or paid. Unions provide employee grievances and castigating hearings and also provide financial and legal welfare to subordinates and which will have certain functions for achieving certain objectives (Waddington 2001).
ReplyDeleteGoing forward, objectives and functions of a trade union can also be stated as the Regulation of relations, settlement of grievances, raising new demands on behalf of workers, collective bargaining and finally negotiations for a better agreement(Johansson & Abrahamsson, 2009).
DeleteTrade Union have at least the following five functions (Ewing ,2005)
ReplyDelete Service function
Representation function
Regularly function
Government function
Public Administration function
Agreed Asanka, But the primary function of a trade union is to protect the interests of workers against discrimination and unfair labor practices and often negotiates agreements with employers on pay and conditions(Coats, 2011).
DeleteHi Kelum , Adding to your blog using American context ,Trade Unions are highly complex and diversified institutions. Because they are so complex , they can profitably be studied from the standpoint of several disciplines, including economic , political science, sociology, and history.(Rees,1989).In Sri Lankan context all Political parties have their own trade unions or labour wings.(Biyanwala 2011)
ReplyDeleteYes Madura, trade unions possess More Complexity and Less Certainty, however there are positive signs that trade unions are becoming more aware of the benefits of cooperation than the negatives that could arise through(Morin, 2007).
DeleteWhile agreeing with your statement and wish to add, according to Armstrong (2006)Employee relations processes consist of the approaches and methods adopted by employers to deal with employees either collectively through their trade unions or individually
ReplyDeleteYes Sohan, Employee relations can also be identified as the complex interrelationship between employers and employees, labor/trade unions, employer organizations and the state(Farnham, 2000).
DeleteA trade union is a group of working people who have joined together to achieve better pay and working conditions and a safer working environment. Trade unions negotiate with employers on behalf of union members to agree wages, work rules, complaint procedures, rules governing hiring, firing and promotion of workers, benefits, workplace safety and other policies ( UNISON, 2014). Therefore, trade unions or labor unions play a vital role when it comes to employee demands.
ReplyDeleteYes Asitha, further more the trade unions demands include providing assistance and services to union members, collectively bargaining for better pay and conditions for all workers, working to improve the quality of public services, political campaigning and industrial action at last in winning the rights in the absence of a agreeable solution(Braun & Gearhart, 2004).
DeleteEmployee relations processes consist of the approaches, methods and procedures adopted by employers to deal with employees either collectively through their trade unions or individually. These processes are concerned with industrial relations and include dealings between management and trade unions involving collective agreements, collective bargaining, disputes resolution and handling issues concerning the employment relationship and the working environment (Armstrong,M 2017).
ReplyDeleteKanishka, adding more insights to your comments, the principal purpose of a trade union is to regulate employee relations with an employer through: collective bargaining (negotiation about pay and other conditions of employment) and consultation (discussions about business and workplace issues that affect levels of employment and terms and conditions of employment)and finally a collective agreement where the employer and the union to which both are committed(Johansson & Abrahamsson, 2009).
DeleteIn a unionized environment, trade unions get involved in company operations especially, the organization’s selection process as it is expected to be transparent to all employees in order to avoid legal issues such as favoritism. Trade unions are usually formed to support employees in general as it has always been about power (Emmott, 2008)
ReplyDeleteYes Shenali, employee engagement through trade unions is important in making organizational decisions since same creates a conflict free atmosphere in recruitments(Breaugh, 2008).
DeleteThe self-organization of labour into trade unions was a result of a mass movement of the oppressed against colonialism. The trade unions were established mainly to put into effect multiple models, for preventing workers tailored needs and concerns of different groups (BTU, 2009). It defines a trade union as 'an organization consisting, wholly or in part, of more than 30 employees the principal objects of which include the regulation of relations between employees and employers or employer's organizations or between employees and employees’(Lysson & Ongori ,2011).
ReplyDeleteThe argument is that self-organization has become a significant axis around which trade union democracy is being reconstituted, however, our understanding of this phenomenon has been obscured by the ascendancy of mainstream union perspectives over self-organized perspectives(Camazine, et al., 2003).
DeleteJohn Storey et al (2009) believes that employees should be given the chance to learn and grow through their participation in the work’s activities. Opportunities to participate may come from direct participation involving individual employees, indirect or representative participation through the intermediary of employee representative bodies, such as works councils or trade unions, and financial participation. As these forums for participation increase, employees are given more opportunities to join in how the organization defines and delivers work.When employees participate, they feel more engaged. Research on commitment among self-employed workers shows that their engagement scores are higher because they participate in and have control over decisions.
ReplyDeleteWhen employees are involved in making decisions, employees gain a professional and personal stake in the organization and the organization’s overall success and same leads to increased productivity levels as employees are actively participating in various aspects of the company and wish to see the efforts succeed overall(Bhatti & Qureshi, 2007). However, the effectiveness of decision making is more fruitful when a collective voice is raised for the betterment of both the organization and the employees(Vandaele, 2018).
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