Trade Union - Concept, Nature and Importance
Trade Union - Concept, Nature and Importance
Trade Unions.
Originating in Europe, Labour unions became popular in many countries
during the Industrial Revolution, when the lack of skill necessary to perform
the jobs shifted employment bargaining power almost completely to the
employers' side, causing many workers to be mistreated and underpaid. But,
over the years, the contractual relationship between the employer and the
employee has undergone several changes. Managerial indiscretions,
whimsical actions and one-sided exploitative acts have no place in the
industrial relations scene today.
Under the Trade Union Act, 1926, this term is defined as any combination
whether temporary or permanent, formed primarily for the purpose of
regulating the relations between workmen and employers, or imposing
restrictive conditions on the conduct of any trade or business, and includes
any federation of two or more trade unions. In other words, the term union
applies not only to combination and associations of employees only, but also
to that of the employers.
i. It is economically-oriented.
ii. It is an instrument of defence.
iii. It implies class distinction.
iv. It is an outcome of an individualistic society.
Over the last few centuries, many trade unions have developed into a
number of forms, influenced by differing political and economic regimes. The
immediate objectives and activities of trade unions vary, but may include:
iii) Improving the status and working and living conditions of workers;
The functions of trade unions can be divide into the following categories, viz,:
Trade unions are a part of society and as such, have to take into
consideration the national integration as well. Some important social
responsibilities of trade unions include:
Conclusion:
The trade unions are organised by workers to solve their problems created by
modern industry. They are voluntary associations of workers formed to
promote and protect their interests by collective action. They play different
roles; for example, they act as agents of the Government and help it in
maintaining social discipline and in administering its policies. They act as
partners in facilitating change in a more or less formalised manner. They play
a role as sectional bargainers—plant-wise or industry-wise ensuring with a
view to acceptance of their demands. They play a role as class-bargainers, on
behalf of civil servants as a class, each demanding a fair share in the national
income. They act as enemies of the industrial system, sabotaging production,
encouraging excessive consumption aspirations on the part of workers, such
as higher wages, higher bonus, etc.