By Agatha Namirembe.
Trade unions were creations of industrialization and modern industrial conditions.
Trade union originated out of the necessity of workers to protect and defend themselves from exploitation, injustice and wrong imposed upon them by the employer or the management of the concern.
Workers seeking a common solution of their problems of living formed into a self-conscious group what we may call as Trade union
An individual worker is dispensable to an employer, yet he could not afford to dispense with the services of a group of workers.
When this was realized by the workforce, they united to get their reasonable rights from the employer.
What is a labour/trade union
A workers organization whose aim is to protect, defend and advance the interests of its members.
Pillars on which the trade union operate:
Voluntarism •Democracy
Independence •Continuity
Solidarity /unity
Purpose of trade union
The most common purpose of unions is maintaining or improving the conditions of the work environment.
This May Include:
Negotiation of Salary, work rules, occupational health and safety standards, grievance handling procedures, Defending workers
Rules governing status of employees including promotions, employment benefits and termination conditions
Trade union ideologies
Based on a strong and solid foundation.
Should have clear objectives, well-conceived policy, careful planning and sound organizational methods.
Should be run by the members for the members; its leadership should be well enlighten and should come from the rank and file of its members.
Grievance procedure
Leaders should present/ represent the views of the members
Honesty and integrity of purpose
Level of participation
Needs, Wants and Demands
Working within the legal framework or try to improve on it
Visibility
Collective Bargaining negotiating
Grievance handling procedure and conflict resolution
Managing Discipline
Right to with draw labour and strike
Networking, lobbying
Social and cultural environment
Monitoring and evaluation
Research
Current Trends in Trade Union Movement
Change in the attitude of unions towards management, industry, government and the economy.
Unions are becoming increasingly mature, responsive and realistic in their thinking and action.
Less strikes and violence more dialogue
The multiplicity of unions weakening the bargaining strength of employees
Multiplicity caused by ideological rifts, personal ambitions of leaders, craft divisions among workers and the management’s own myopia.
Casualization
The leadership mantle of the trade union being handled over to persons outside the institution. This has weakened the trade Union
Faced with the problem of declining membership and the fear of losing their relevance, trade unions are taking initiative to fight unitedly.
Professionalization of trade union movement is yet another trend witnessed these days ■
