igcse business studies 2.2.4 trade unions. learning outcomes
TRANSCRIPT
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