Shrestha states, a trade union, through its leadership bargains with the employer or the management on behalf of the union members and negotiates labor contracts Shrestha, Graham states, trade unions are economic pressure groups protecting the interests of wage-earning or salaried workers in a trade or industry Graham, From the definitions given by Shrestha and Graham , one can say that a trade union, is a grouping of workers, who form an organisation collaboratively, that does the actions of general member recruitment, member education, member representation in labour disputes, member representation in collective bargaining and, application of pressure and the utilization of strike action to influence the employer and government to act in ways that uplift the interest of workers.
The organisation or trade union, is utilized by workers, as a vehicle to collaboratively represent their collective interests. Trade Unions as worker educator, in the South African context, Vally, Bofelo and Treat state, worker education played a crucial role in the development of the trade union movement in South Africa and in the broader struggle for social transformation Vally et al.
A similar sentiment is shared by Valley et al. The work done by trade unions, in the education of workers was important, as it led to the overthrowing of the Apartheid regime.
The policies of Apartheid were contradictory to worker interests, particularly black workers who were the majority in South Africa. Trade unions in their role as worker ambassador, use a variety of platforms and institutions to represent and protect worker interests. In the mediation of labour related disputes between worker interests and employer interests, South African trade unions utilize an independent body, known as the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration CCMA , in defining itself the CCMA states, the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration, is a dispute resolution body established in terms of the Labour Relations Act, 66 of LRA.
In challenging acts legally, that contravene workers interests, perpetrated by employers, trade unions approach the labour court, Justice. CCMA states, unfair labour practice is unfair treatment by an employer of an employee or job applicant.
Unfair labour practice can be a mix of abuses, like non - compensation for work done, provision of unsafe working environments, discrimination based on race or gender. As worker ambassador, trade unions represent worker interests, by assisting workers in work related disputes like disciplinary hearings, and representation in mediation or arbitration situations at the CCMA.
Trade unions also use the labour court as a platform to voice and defend worker interests. Worker unity is imperative to gain bargaining power during negotiations or when there is a need to show force. Rheeder states, collective power is a fundamental concept of a trade union. A single employee can, for instance, not embark on a protected strike. Trade unions use institutions like the bargaining council, to negotiate collective agreements between workers and employer bodies.
Matete states bargaining councils consist of representatives from the major unions and employer groups within each sector.
The main purpose of bargaining councils is to reach consensus on terms and conditions in specific industries Matete, In their role as political affiliate, trade unions helped shape the South African political landscape, while representing worker interests.
Followed by the Basic Conditions of Employment Act 75 of , the LRA was far more favourable to workers than any labour legislation that had preceded it Budeli, Parkin, Kohler, Lakay, Rhodes, Saayman, Schoer, Scholtz and Thompson state, one way of raising the wage rate is to decrease the supply of labour in some labour markets, a union can restrict supply by controlling entry into apprenticeship programmes or by influencing job qualification standards.
Markets for skilled workers, doctors, dentists and lawyers are the easiest to control in this way Parkin et al. This where we observe, the role of trade unions having an ambiguous effect on worker interest. Unionized workers benefit from an increase in their wages and salary due to restrictive conditions imposed by trade unions. Non-union workers, who could have been employed if restrictions were not there, are then driven out that trade and their interests as workers are not represented by trade unions.
Trade unions try to increase the demand for labour of its members in four main ways: 1. Increasing the value of marginal product of its members by organising and sponsoring training schemes and apprenticeship programmes, and by professional certification Parkin Et al. Lobbying for import restrictions and encouraging people to buy goods made by unionized workers Parkin Et al.
Supporting minimum wage laws, which increase the cost of employing low skilled labour and lead firms to substitute high-skilled non-union labour for low-skilled union labour Parkin Et al. Lobbying for restrictive immigration laws to decrease the supply of foreign workers Parkin Et al. In the South African context, work done by Vettori in the African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure, is used, in the identification of acts of law that govern worker interests.
These acts of law give rights and protection to worker interests and form part of the employment contract between employers and workers in South Africa.
This Act encourages collective bargaining inter-alia by creating fora for collective bargaining, by creating means of achieving organisational rights unionizing and providing for the right to strike. The BCEA sets out minimum standards for most employers, excluding minimum wage requirements. The BCEA also provides for state legislated Sectoral Determinations which regulate wages, hours and basic conditions for vulnerable or special sectors Vettori, The Employment Equity act 55 of , prohibits discrimination in the workplace and places an obligation on employers who employ more than 50 employees to implement and action measures to redress the in-equities of the past and achieve equity in the workplace Vettori, The Skills Development Act 97 of , seeks to improve the skills of South African workers by imposing a training levy on employers Vettori, The Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act of , establishes a compensation fund to which all employers are obliged to contribute and from which loss of wages and medical expenses of employees injured at work and who are suffering from an occupational disease are paid out Vettori, The Unemployment Insurance Fund Act 30 of , establishes an unemployment insurance fund to which both employers and employees contribute to provide benefits to unemployed employees who contributed to the fund for a limited period Vettori, Workers are interested in, having the right to freely associate and unionize, this interest is protected by the Labour Relations Act 66 of Workers are interested in, being compensated for the time they work and getting adequate leave days and health benefits, these interests are protected by The Basic Conditions of Employment Act 75 of Workers are interested in, being treated as equals and to not be discriminated against in the work environment, this interest is protected by the Employment Equity act 55 of Workers are interested in, having their skills developed, this interest is protected by the, Skills Development Act 97 of Workers are interested in, the certainty of knowing that, if they are injured at work, their physical and financial interests are protected.
These interests are protected by the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act of 7. Workers are interested in, ensuring that their financial wellbeing is taken care of, if or when they are unemployed due to injury at work or retrenchment.
These interests are protected by the Unemployment Insurance Fund Act 30 of 1. Trade unions rely on various strategies to be effective in representing worker interest. During negotiations unions use actions of power, Sandler states, trade unions use action that include striking, parading, boycott and collective bargaining Sandler, This is an example of trade unions being effective at representing worker interests.
Internationally, trade unions, seem to no longer be effective as before at representing worker interests in the labour market. Baccaro states, under increased competitive pressure, negotiations become consultations, bargaining becomes concession bargaining and voice becomes mere expression, workers may be justified in wondering what trade unions are still for.
In exploring the role of trade unions in the representation of worker interests, an aim was set, which was to identify the various roles that unions play and how they impact on worker interests in South Africa and internationally.
This led to the creation of four 4 objectives, which guided the literature review in answering the topic. The study then endeavored to identify the roles of trade unions in South Africa and internationally. The literature review, discussed the influence of trade unions on the labour market, and highlighted the positive and negative effects of trade union action on the demand and supply of labour. The study identified how trade union action, in the labour market widens the inequality gap between unionized and non-union workers.
Meaning that while meeting some workers interests, there are other workers whose interests are negatively affected by the role played by trade unions in the labour market. These acts of legislation were influenced by trade union participation in political activities in South Africa.
The discussion of these acts of legislation, showed how each act represented worker interests, from which seven 7 worker interests were identified. Protect worker against exploitation. To assure the worker a share in the profitability of industry. To protect the larger interest of society by assuring the improvement of trade and industry. NEED:- 1. Union serves as a platform through which worker can make his voice heard by the employer.
By joining union he associates with fellow workers and gain social respect. They can influence decision through collective bargaining. They u se the union as an outlet to become leader. A company union that represents interest of only one company and may not have any connection with other unions. Also called house union, a company union is often a bogus one and generally illegal.
A general union that represents workers from several companies in the same industry. Also called industrial union. A craft union that represents skilled workers in a particular field such as carpentry or welding. In most of the organization there is dispute arise between the employer and worker. The dispute leads to strike. Strike is a stoppage of work. It refers to a situation when workers is temporarily stopped and production is stand still. During strike employer and employee relation remain intact.
It is usually one day. The purpose behind is to pressurize the worker to accept the term of employees. Workers surround the employer in order to get their demands accepted. It is for a short while. The atmosphere is surcharged with tension. Lokhanday , a factory workers is said to be first trade union in India.
In subsequent year number of unions were formed. After independence there was a speedy growth in trade union due to support from both the government and society. Several splits occurred in central organisations of labour. At present there are more than 50, trade and 10 central labour organisation in India. Workers in India are unionised mainly on the basis plant rather than on the basis of craft. Craft union are formed among non industrial and professional worker.
Unionisation is not limited to blue collar employee. White collar worker are also unionised. Primary union are affiliated to number of central union. There is very close link between Trade Union and Political Parties.
The name, occupation and address of the members making in application. Name of the Trade union and address of its head office. Titles, name, age, address and occupation of the office bearers of trade union. It is necessary that the trade unions all over the country should be actuated in their activities by a spirit of service to the nations. The workers forming such unions should be made to realize that their interests are connected with the interest of the nations and that they cannot prosper unless the nation as a whole prospers.
So they must respond enthusiastically to the call for national reconstruction. Ashok Khurana ed. Hindustan Times, August 18, 5. Related Papers. Trade unions in the workplace and the reasons behind their formation: an employee perspective. By Yusuf A Mdala.
What should be the approach when we are talking about the role of HR and trade union. By Sandeep Gunjan. By International Research Journal Commerce arts science. Download pdf. Log in with Facebook Log in with Google. Remember me on this computer. Enter the email address you signed up with and we'll email you a reset link.
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