iGCSE Business Studies

2.2.4 Trade Unions

Learning Outcomes

Some Unions…… Who do they represent?

Task

• Read the Trade Unions Fact Sheet

Why do people become members of a Trade Union?What types of activities are trade unions involved in?

Advertising

Lobbying

Negotiation (Collective Bargaining)

Representing

AND IF ALL THIS DOESN’T WORK????

Organising Industrial Action

• Go-Slow• Action Days• Strikes• Work-to-Rule• Withdrawal of good-

will

Question….

• Why may employers want to discourage their workers from joining a Trade Union?

Benefits of Trade Unions to Employers….

• Negotiating with trade unions (ideally a single union) saves time and cost rather than dealing with all employees individually

• Unions are part of the communication process between the business and employees

• Employee morale and motivation may be improved if they know that their interests are being protected by a union

• The trade union can be a supportive partner in helping a business undergo significant change

Trade Union Trends…. Why??

Reasons for Trade Union Member decline

• Decline in employment in manufacturing (where union membership is traditionally strong) and an increase in employment in the service sector (e.g. retail) where unions are less well established

• Growth in the number of small firms which tend not to recognise (or need) trade unions

• Significant growth in flexible working (part-time, temporary, seasonal) – where employees see less need for union protection

• Improved employee involvement in the workplace – so less perceived need for collective bargaining