Trade Unions

A trade union is a group of people who come together to work toward a common goal and is a membership-based organisation, which means that most of its members must be workers. Its primary purpose is to safeguard and advance the interests of its members at work. The vast majority of trade unions are not linked with any one company. On the other hand, trade unions try to create close working relationships with businesses. This can take the form of a collaboration agreement between the employer of the company and the trade union outlining their mutual goals and interests.

The objective of the Trade Union of workers

• Negotiate remuneration and working conditions with employers.
• Discuss major workplace changes, such as mass layoffs.
• Meet with employers to discuss concerns related to members
• Participate in disciplinary and grievance meetings with members
• Provide members with legal and financial advice
• Provide educational opportunities as well as consumer benefits such as insurance discounts

Functions of trade union

Employers who recognise a union will collaborate with it to negotiate employee wages and working conditions. Many recognition agreements are made voluntarily, with occasional support from the Labour Relations Agency.

While reviewing the union’s request, the court must consider various aspects, which includes the degree of membership and if there are any rival unions. The court will frequently hold a vote among the impacted employees to determine whether recognition should be granted. Throughout the procedure, the emphasis is on obtaining voluntary agreement.

Collective bargaining is a way of conflict resolution

If a company formally recognises a union, the union has the right to bargain for better terms and conditions with the employer. This is known as ‘collective bargaining.’ To make collective bargaining work, unions and employers must agree on how the agreement will be implemented. They could, for example, agree on how union dues would be taken from members’ wages, as well as who will represent employees in discussions and how frequently meetings will be held.

‘Collective agreements’ relate to both procedural agreements and agreements between employers and unions that alter the parameters under which workers are employed (for example, a salary raise). Your job contract will most likely state which collective bargaining agreements apply to you. A union may be able to bargain on your behalf even if you are not a member.

Choosing to join a labour union knowing the functions of a trade union

Some employees join a labour union because they believe it can:

• Negotiate a better pay package
• Agree on improved working conditions, such as more vacation time or increased health and safety.
• Provide training in new skills
• Offer general advice and help

Future with Trade Unison Revitalization

The four future scenarios for functions of trade union — marginalisation, dualisation, replacement, and rejuvenation – are all feasible and are happening today, sometimes in the same country, in different sectors, and in different combinations. •

Various methodologies, such as scenario thinking, can assist trade unions in adjusting to this uncertainty by anticipating change, examining alternative futures, and enabling revolutionary action.

Despite this, trade unions have shown extraordinary endurance and an ability to reinvent themselves in novel ways despite repeated transformations. Strong objectives of a trade union are more crucial than ever in building a world of work that is built on long-term growth and provides decent work for all.

Origin of trade union

The first factories Act was passed in 1881 due to the Bombay factory recommendation of 1985. Workers in the Bombay textile sector urged that working hours be decreased, that weekly holidays be granted, and that workers be compensated in the event of injury. N. Lokhande founded the Bombay Mills Hand Association in 1890 as the first union for employees.

Following the commencement of World War One, several labour movements arose. The poor social and economic situation of the people sparked the labour movement at the time. Trade unions are formed due to the founding of the ILO (International Labour Organisation). The Mahatma Gandhi concept of nonviolence guided the formation of the Ahmedabad labour textile group.

Structure of the union

There are three types of unions based on their structure: industrial unions, labour unions, and consumer unions.

Labour unions are made up of workers who earn a living from a particular occupation; they include all workers who work in a single craft, even if they work in various sectors.

An industrial trade union is created by industry’s actions, not by similar crafts or works. A general union is made up of workers from numerous crafts and industries. In India, trade unions are formed mostly due to industrial decisions, which may include the diminished role of artisans as a result of industrialisation and the availability of vast amounts of unskilled labour.

Consumer Union – If a corporation or organisation fails to follow the rules and commitments, the consumer union can take legal action against them. Against a certain type of goods, the company must provide flawless delivery and service. If it all fails, the consumer union will step in.

Conclusion

Because of unfair labour practices and the habit of not involving employees in any decision-making processes, trade unions in India have been formed and recognised by the court of law and the government. The notions of social justice and industrial peace can only be reached via the mutual cooperation of employers and employees. For this reason, trade unions play such important roles in attaining industrial peace and providing overall justice to workers. It is a must for the betterment of the employees who will eventually help grow the company in a good way.