TRADE UNION

WHAT IS A TRADE UNION?

According to The Economic Times, the trade unions or labour unions are certain organisations formed by workers or employees from related fields that serve and work for the common interest of its members.

These organisations or unions as we call it to help workers in sorting various obstacles like the fairness of daily wages, good working atmosphere, hours of work and benefits

They (unions) represent an assemblage of workers and provide a link between the principle management and workers.

The objective of such a union is to look into the grievances and complaints of wagers and present a collective voice in front of the management.

Therefore, it acts as a medium for workers to communicate with the management and vice versa.

Following issues like - 

• regulation of relations or
• if the workers have any new demand, the union raises them on behalf of workers
• Collective negotiations
• discussion of problems faced by workers, bargaining etc

These are examples of some of the problems in which a trade union or labour unions perform it's principle functions.

THE TRADE UNION ACT

With private businesses growing at an extremely rapid pace, there are more and more job opportunities being created for people. So, in India, The Indian Trade Union Act, 1926 enables and regulates trade unions of which the government keeps a check.

Section 2 (b) The Trade Union Act, 1926 is the principal act which controls and governs the functioning mechanism of trade unions.

It states that a trade union is any combination of persons formed whether temporary or permanent predominantly for the purposes of regulation of relations between

• Workmen and employers
• Workmen and workmen
• Employers and employers

(Also includes any federation of two or more labour unions)

• And for the purpose of imposing restrictive conditions in case of conduct of any trade or business.

Trade unions are an organised expression of the expectations, attitudes and requirements of the workers.

In India, as spoken by The Economic Times, trade union movements are tremendously influenced by ideologies and political lines. This is the reason why nowadays political parties are forming and running trade unions.

OBJECTIVES OF TRADE UNION

• Employee compensation to not fall prey to any discrimination on behalf of the managing authority.
• Enhancing better working conditions for employees such as securing shorter working hours, better leaves, facilities, social security etc
• Rationalisation of personnel policies
• A harmonious and cordial relationship between employee and employer
• Participation and recognition of each worker
• Adherence to its legal enactments.

WHAT IS THE NEED FOR AN EMPLOYEE TO JOIN A TRADE UNION?

A trade union provides following benefits to employees after they become a part of the union

• Economic security
• Steady employment and proper income
• Protection of the workers
• Restrain management from taking any decision or action which is not rational or acts discriminatory or prejudicial to the common interest of labours
• Voice of labours in communicating and conveying their views, feelings, distress, frustration to the management
• Helps workers in getting employment
• Shields them against economic hazards.