TRADE UNION

By-Jainam Mehta
WHAT IS TRADE UNION?

• Trade union is an association which represents the

interest of a group of workers.
• One of a trade union's main aims is to protect and
advance the interests of its members in the
workplace. Most trade unions are independent of
any employer.
EXAMPLES
 DIFFERENT TYPES OF TRADE UNION

• Craft unions

• Industrial union

• General union
 CRAFT UNION

• Craft unions are formed by workers who possess specialized skills or trades. These unions focus on representing and
protecting the interests of workers in a particular craft or occupation. For example, carpenters, electricians, plumbers,
and painters may form craft unions to advocate for better working conditions, fair wages, and improved benefits.
• Craft unions offer several advantages to their members:
• Collective Bargaining: Craft unions negotiate with employers on behalf of their members to secure favorable
employment terms and conditions.
• Skill Development: Members of craft unions can access training programs and apprenticeships to enhance their skills
and stay updated with industry standards.
• Job Security: Craft unions often prioritize job security for their members by advocating against layoffs or outsourcing.
 INDUSTRIAL UNION

• Industrial unions encompass workers from various industries within a particular region or sector. Unlike
craft unions that focus on specific trades, industrial unions bring together workers across multiple
occupations.
• Here are some key aspects of industrial unions:
• Strength in Numbers: Industrial union members benefit from collective bargaining power due to their large
numbers. This allows them to negotiate better wages, benefits, and working conditions.
• Inclusive Representation: Industrial union membership is open to all workers within a given industry or
sector regardless of specific skills or trades.
• Solidarity: Workers in industrial unions unite under common goals and objectives to fight for better rights
and protections.
 PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

• Professional associations are trade unions that serve professionals such as doctors, lawyers,
engineers, or architects. These associations focus on advocating for the rights and interests of
professionals who may not be considered traditional workers
 TRADE UNION
advantages
• Workers no longer need to negotiate with management on
their own as they benefit from collective bargaining
• Workers receive better pay than non-unionised workers
• Workers enjoy better working conditions than non-
unionised workers
• Workers enjoy better non-wage benefits such as
guaranteed lunch breaks
• Workers receive specialised job training & free legal
advice from the union
disadvantages
•Industrial action is stressful as it is a conflict between workers &
management
•Workers do not get paid while on strike
•Strike action disrupts economic activity & can upset other people in the
economy
•Individual workers may not agree with specific demands made by the trade
union on behalf of all the workers, & yet they are pressured to support
the collective action
•Some union members continue to work through a strike (they may need the
money) & receive abuse & intimidation from the other striking union
members