Trade union and its classifications,types,policies and condition in different countries

Introduction
Trade union, also called labour union , association of labourers in a particular
trade,industry, or company, created for the purpose of securing improvements in pay,
benefits, working conditions, or social and political status through collective bargaining.
Generally, its membership consists of worlers and union leaders, united to protect and
promote their common interests.
In each country, there is a trade union legislation(usually a Trade Union Act) gives a
legal definition of a trade union, and sets out its objectives.
https://www.britannica.com/topic/trade-union
Page 8,Trade Union Administration ,R.L. Morris

Definition
A labor union of workers in related crafts, as distinguished from general workers
or a union including all workers industry.
• Trade union, also called labourunion , association of laborers in a particular
trade, industry, or company, created for the purpose of securing
improvements in pay, benefits, working conditions, or social and political
status through collective bargaining. (Schumpeter j 2008)
• Labor unions or trade unions are organizations formed by workers from related
fields that work for the common interest of its members. They help workers in
issues like fairness of pay, good working environment, hours of work and
benefits. They represent a cluster of workers and provide a link between the
management and workers.(Rein chard 1974)
• A trade union is exactly what its name suggests - it is a union of people for the
sake of their trade. In other words, it is an organization of workers in order to
achieve certain common goals like increment of wages, better working
conditions, etc.(Lipset&Bendix, 1991)

• An organization of workers who have come together to achieve common
goals such as protecting the integrity of its trade, improving safety
standards, achieving higher pay and benefits such as health care and
retirement, increasing the number of employees an employer assigns to
complete the work, and better working conditions . An organization of
workers who have come together to achieve common goals such as
protecting the integrity of its trade, improving safety standards, achieving
higher pay and benefits such as health care and retirement, increasing the
number of employees an employer assigns to complete the work, and
better working conditions. (Miller &Willium 1993)
• So that trade union is exactly what its name suggests - it is a union of
people for the sake of their trade. In other words, it is an organization of
workers in order to achieve certain common goals like increment of
wages, better working conditions, etc.

History Of Trade Union
The history of trade union dates back to the guild system that started in Europe, this
system aimed to protect selected professions by controlling of advancement and skill
mastery. This is how unions came into existence, and is the first example of how
numerous workers join together to create their own rules instead of following those set by
their employers.
A great demand for new workers to join the job market was triggered by the
eighteenth century's industrial revolution in Europe. In the US in earlier times the trade
unions and workers played a very important part in striving for their independence .
It was only in the nineteenth century that the trade union became hugely popular after
the founding of the National Labor Union, which is the very first national union. This
union was formed in the year 1866 and it was open for all kinds of workers.
Unfortunately, this union wasn't successful and was dissolved shortly and all that remains
in the history is its foundation. Later on in the year 1869, the Knights of Labor was
created and it was this union opposed child labor and promoted the idea of working for
eight hours a day.
And that is how trade unions came into existence.

Trade Unions until 1911
UK :
Modern trade unionism
has had its chief
development in English-
speaking countries, and
especially in the United
Kingdom, where the
conditions necessary for
its growth have been
present to the fullest
extent. With some
exceptions, such unions
as are found elsewhere
are either derived or
copied from English
organizations, or are
associations with political
objects.
Germany
In Germany the majority of trade
unions are of a political character,
being closely connected with the
Social Democratic party. These
Socialist trade unions, termed
“Gewerkschaften,” were started
by a congress held at Berlin in
1868, under the auspices of
Fritscher and Schweitzer.. In 1887
a general committee of the
German Gewerkschaften was
formed, and in 1890 the General
Commission of Trade Unions in
Germany was established.German
trade unions of one type or
another included a membership
of nearly two and a half millions in
1907,their membership were
doubled in five years.
France:
In France combinations of
workmen as well as of employers
were prohibited by the laws of
the 14th of June and the 28th of
September 1792, which
overthrew the old gild or
corporation system. They were
also penalized under various
articles of the Penal Code, and it
was not till 1864 that the
prohibition was modified by law..
Of the unions in existence in
1906, 3675 with a membership
of 752,362 belonged to 187
federations. There is, however,
some duplication owing to the
fact that some unions belong to
more than one federation.

GERMANY UNTIL 1911
In Germany the majority of trade unions are of a political character, being closely
connected with the Social Democratic party. These Socialist trade unions, termed
“Gewerkschaften,” were started by a congress held at Berlin in 1868, under the
auspices of Fritscher and Schweitzer, two followers of Lassalle. In 1878 many of
them were dissolved under the law prohibiting socialistic organizations, but shortly
after their place was taken by local unions termed “Fachvereine,” which ostensibly
abstained from politics, but which in various ways succeeded in evading the law
and carrying on the work of the Gewerkschaften. In 1887 a general committee of
the German Gewerkschaften was formed, and in 1890 the General Commission of
Trade Unions in Germany was established. Later years of prosperous trade have
been marked by a rapid growth in the strength of trade unions in Germany.
The Social Democratic (Gewerkschaften) trade unions included in 1907 a
membership of 1,886,147 . Another group of trade unions in Germany, known as
“Hirsch-Duncker” unions, from the names of their founders. These unions were
first formed in 1868, Another group of unions, the Christian trade unions
(Christliche Gewerkvereine), was formed in 1894. German trade unions of one
type or another included a membership of nearly two and a half millions in 1907,
their membership were doubled in five years.

France until 1911
In France combinations of workmen as well as of employers were
prohibited by the laws of the 14th of June and the 28th of September
1792, which overthrew the old gild or corporation system. They were also
penalized under various articles of the Penal Code, and it was not till
1864 that the prohibition was modified by law. At present the status of
trade unions in France is regulated by the law of 1884, which repealed
that of 1791 and modified the articles of the Penal Code so far as regards
professional syndicates of employers or workmen. Since then there has
been a considerable growth of workmen’s unions, which in 1906
numbered 5322 with a membership of 896,012. Of the unions in
existence in 1906, 3675 with a membership of 752,362 belonged to 187
federations. There is, however, some duplication owing to the fact that
some unions belong to more than one federation. In 1906 there were
260,869 members of unions in the transport, warehousing, &c., groups of
trades, 103,835 in the metal, 73,126 in the mining and quarrying, 78,854
in the textile, 66,678 in the building, 51,407 in the agricultural, forestry,
fishing and cattle breeding, 48,353 in the food preparation trades and the
remainder in various other trades.

ORIGIN
• Organisations to defend the rights of paid workers, usually set up just for
one-off problems, are very old indeed. An early 19th engraving of the
inside of a factory, an example of the oppressive conditions workers were
subjected to; children were even made to work in coalmines; unions were
depicted as a drunken mob.
• Long hours and harsh conditions for some children were finally accepted
as improper only in the report of the 1842 Royal Commission, an official
way of looking into something without doing very much! Children had
been taken into mines to work as early as four years of age, sometimes at
five and between five and six. The ruling elite of Britain were violently
hostile to what was known as `combination of workers, or unionisation.
• This country was not as we now know it. Freedom of the press was much
limited (then as now!), since newspapers were not only very costly - it was
a bit like buying a book to buy a `paper - but they were generally owned
by rich people and viewed as a business. Much of the press was just as
hostile to unions as they have been ever been.
•

For a quarter of a century the Combination Acts had kept unions illegal and small. There were
about 30 small unions, most trades - coachmakers, brushmakers, mechanics and so on, had a
secret society. This could not be ignored and unionism was becoming a more dangerous force
an illicit movement. A campaign to abolish the anti-union laws succeeded in 1824. Once the lid
was off, many groups of workers acted and a wave of strikes took place to win better pay and
conditions.Housing conditions were appalling. Marx’s collaborator, Fredrick Engels, wrote a
book about Manchester’s working class districts in 1844: whole districts have fallen into a
state of dilapidation, discomfort and misery. Engels thought it all an ever present pool of
stagnant desolation, starvation and degradation.
No worker had the vote and only the very well off acted as representatives in Parliament. A
tremendous struggle to change Britain into a democracy partially succeeded in 1832. But the
bulk of ordinary people still had no vote. Unions began to try to win things, causing a big fight
back from the masters, as the bosses were then called.Deference was expected towards the rich
and powerful from the ordinary people. You had to `know your place in society, or suffer the
consequences. There were few rights and charity was the main form of social welfare.

• In the disillusionment with politics that followed the realisation that the 1832 reform of voting had
only favoured the well off, especially the new class that owned industrial manufacturing, workers once again
turned to the notion of trades unionism. The first big general union, at once a federation of older trade societies
and a vehicle for the organisation of the new working class, was founded in 1833 - the Grand National
Consolidated Trades Union.As the GNCTU grew massively, the masters in Derby planned a showdown. All
trades unionists were locked out of their workplaces, until they were prepared to give up their allegiance to
unionism. After almost a year of starvation, the workers of Derby conceded defeat.
• In 1837, workers put a new set of six demands - the Charter. Supporters became known as Chartists and
their demands were:
• Universal manhood suffrage This was considered rather bold to suggest women could vote - only toffs and
businessmen were voters!
• Annual parliaments Governments could carry on more or less as long as the monarch allowed it with a new
election; this is the only demand not yet won, governments carry on for ages now (well it seems so, anyway)
• Secret ballots Amazingly (!) people who had a vote stuffed their papers into an open box; there was a lot of
bribery voters were treated to a big piss up and voted for the best party (yes, I mean party!)
• Wages for MPs It was not a fulltime job and unless you had wealth you were stymied.
• Abolition of the property qualification for voting You had to be worth something to get a vote.
• Equal electoral constituencies Some seats had tiny numbers of voters, a few hundred or even less, whilst other,
especially in the new northern industrial towns were massive.
•
• Much remains to be done, for working people still have to struggle to safeguard their interests. Poor working
conditions, dictatorial bosses and low pay are more than still with us. The challenges may be different but we
cannot fully understand our future without understanding our past. Workers, especially young workers, have in
the past found new ways to organise. Every quarter or half century or so a major rebellion seems to emerge
with new generations. Perhaps we are on the threshold of just such a wave of change right now

1.Craft Unions if the workers of the same craft or category
of the job form into an union, that union is called Craft union.
Such organizations include those workers having similar
skills, training and specialization. The Ahmedabad Weaver’s
Union, the Kanpur Suti Mill Mazdoor Sabha
2.General Unions if the workers of any industry, any region
and of any job or occupation form into one union in order to
protect the overall interests of the workers
The Jamshedpur labour Union, the National Union of
Municipal and General Workers
3.Industrial Unions workers of different categories form into
a union that is called industrial union. It links all craftsmen
and skilled workers in any one industry. It is organized upon
and industry-wise rather than a craft-wise basis.
Textile Labour Association of Ahmedabad, The Rashtriya
Mill Mazdoor Sangh, Bombay.
4.Federations : Industrial unions, either of same industry or
of the different industry may form into an association in order
to improve Trade Union Unity. Such Unions of Unions are
called federations. During critical situations the unions in
different industries may resort to concerted action without
losing their individuality. In such situation the federations
form into an Association and such and association is called
Confederation.
Eg; Federation of Indian Railways
STRUCTURE OF TRADE UNION

Trade Union is an
organization that is
formed by employees
or workers.
It is formed on a
continuous basis. It is
a permanent body and
not a casual or
temporary one.
It includes federations
of trade unions also.
The dominant
interest with which a
union is concerned is,
however, economic.
It is formed to protect
and promote all kinds
of interests –
economic, political
and social-of its
members.
It achieves its
objectives thro
collective action and
group effort
Features of
trade
unions
Page 12,Trade Union Administration ,R.L. Morris)

• To improve the pay of its members
• To improve the working conditions and
the working practices of its members.
• To support the training and the
professional development of its members
Aims of Trade Union
https://www.britannica.com/topic/trade-union

1
3
4
7
6
5
13
12
11
10
9
8
2
14
Better working conditions
Better & even wage
Secure Power To Influence
Government
Employee – employer
relationship
Social welfare
Stability, growth, interest of
industry and leadership
Financial benefits
Protect interest of workers
Secure Power To Influence
Management
Legal assistance
Education & training
OBJECTIVES OF TRADE UNION
protect women workers
against discrimination.
Obtain Better Economic
Returns
resist schemes of the
management which reduce
employment
(Page 8,Trade Union Administration ,R.L. Morris)

2
3
1
4
Employment Protection and Job Creation.
5
Economic Protection.
Social Status - Identity.
Political Role - Democratic Institution
Societal Obligation - Transformation.
Purpose of
Trade
Unions

POLITICAL
MILITANT
ANCILLARY
SOCIAL
FRATERNAL
1
2
3
4
5
Militant Functions
Fraternal Function
Social Functions
Political Functions
Ancillary Functions
Functions of
Trade Union

1.MILITANT FUNCTION:
Militant activities aims are to ensure adequate wages, secure better conditions of
work and employment, get better treatment from employers etc.
When union fails to achieve the aims through collective bargaining & negotiation
they adopt an approach in the form of fight against management through go-slow
tactics ,strike , boycott, gherao, etc.
Objectives of militant functions:
 Ensuring adequate wages, better working conditions and better treatment from
employers
 fight with the management in the form of strikes, boycotts, gheraos etc.
 Achieve higher wages and better working conditions.
 Raise the status of workers as a part of industry and
 Protect labour against victimisation and injustice.

2.Fraternal Functions
Aims of this Fraternal functions look for rendering help to its members & improve
their efficiency and for social economical upliftment.
It undertake various welfare measures of its members like
Legal assistance at the time of need
Schools for education of children, library, reading room ,indoor-outdoor
games facilities and recreational activities etc.
Objectives of Fraternal Functions:
• Providing financial and non-financial assistance to workers
• Extension of medical facilities during sickness and casualties,
• Provision of education, recreation, and housing facilities,
• Provision of religious and social benefits.
• To provide opportunities for promotion and growth. To take up welfare measures
for improving the morale of workers.

3. Social Functions :
Social functions are carrying out social service activities,discharging social
responsibilities through various sections of the society like educating the customers etc.
4.Ancillary Functions :
Some unions have now started undertaking and organising welfare activities besides the
main economic functions consisting basically of organising unions and improving their
terms and conditions of employment to enable workers to meet their physical needs and
also providing variety of services to their members and sometimes to the community of
which they are a part, which may be grouped under following heads :
i.Communication:
Publication of periodicals, news letters or magazines for establishing communication
with their members, making the latter aware of union policy and stand on certain
principal issues and personnel matters concerning members, such as births, deaths,
marriages, promotion and achievements.

ii.Welfare activities :
Welfare activities are provided to improve the quality of work life including
organisation of mutual fund, cooperative credit societies for providing housing,
cooperative stores, cultural programmes, banking and medical facilities and
training for women in various crafts to help them to supplement their family
income.
iii. Education :
Education of members in all aspects of their working life including improving
their civic life, awareness in the environment around them, enhancement of their
knowledge particularly in regard to issues that concern them, their statutory and
other rights and responsibilities, workers’ participation in management.
iv.scheme, and procedure for redressing their grievances. Some central union
organisations are also assisting the Government in implementing the Workers’
Education Scheme.

iv.Research : .
Researches are arranged to conduct research programme,collect and analyse data and
information for collective bargaining, preparing notes for union officials .
Some of the research activities are :
(i) collection and analysis of wage data including fringe benefits, and other benefits and services
through surveys of comparative practices, data on working conditions and welfare activities;
(ii) preparation of background notes for court cases and also position papers for union officials;
(iii) collection and analysis of macro data relating to the economy, industry sectors etc.
5.Political Functions :-
Modern trade unions also take up political functions that include affiliating the union with a
political party, helping the political party in enrolling members, collecting donations, seeking the
help of political parties during the periods of strikes and lockouts.
Hollander, J. H. (n.d.). A Study of Trade Unionism (Vol. 13). The Academy of Political Science.
http://www.whatishumanresource.com/functions-of-trade-unions

METHODS:
The functions of a trade union may be described in general terms as the establishment and
maintenance of minimum conditions of employment .this ultimate result is sought through strategic
methods of obtaining and enforcing specific regulations.
The methods are:
(i) The organisation of a trade union on the basis of the craft or industry in which its members are
employed, such as general unions and professional employee’s organisations.
(ii) Collective bargaining, which is the essence of industrial relations, for it is through collective
bargaining that the terms and conditions of employment are determined and under which work is
performed’ satisfactorily.
(iii) Grievance processing and handling procedures, under which grievances are redressed or dealt
with by a correction of situation or by channelling up of these “up the line”.
(iv) Arbitration, by which unsettled or unresolved disputes can be settled by an outside agency.
(v) Political pressure exercised through legislators who are capable of bringing about changes in
labour laws; and
(vi) Mutual insurance through common contributions to meet the financial needs of workers when
there are stoppages of work.
(Hollander, J. H. (n.d.). A Study of Trade Unionism (Vol. 13). The Academy of Political Science.)

COUNTRY TRADE UNION MEMBERSHIP
China All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU) 134 million
Japan Japanese Trade Union Confederation (JTUC-RENGO) 6.6 million
India All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU)
All India Federation of Trade Unions (AIFTU)
All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC)
Andhra Pradesh Federation of Trade Unions (APFTU)
Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS)
Centre for Indian Trade Unions (CITU)
Nepal General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions (GEFONT)
Nepal Trade Union Congress (NTUC)
All Nepal Trade Union Federation (ANTUF)
Nepal Inclusive Trade Union Federation [NITU]
Independent Democratic Confederation of Nepalese Trade Union
Australia Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) 1.8 million
United
States of
America
American Federation of Labour-Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO)
Change to Win Federation (CTW)
Industrial Workers of the World (IWW)
9,000,000+
List of trade unions and union federations by country.

United kingdom Trades Union Congress (TUC)
Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC)
General Federation of Trade Unions (GFTU)
Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU)(Northern Ireland)
6.5 million
RUSSIA All-Russian Confederation of Labour (VKT)
Confederation of Labour of Russia (KTR)
Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Russia (FNPR)
Trade Union Association of Russia (SOTSPROF)
1.2 million (VKT)
1.2 million (KTR)
GERMANY German Confederation of Trade Unions (DGB)
German Civil Service Federation (DBB)
German Christian Workers' Federation (CGB)
7 million (DGB)
Algeria General Union of Algerian Workers (UGTA) 1 million
Bangladesh Bangladesh Free Trade Union Congress
Bangladesh Ganotantrik Sramik Federation
Bangladesh Jatio Sramik League
Bangladesh Jatiyo Sramik Jote
Bangladesh Jatyatabadi Sramik Dal
Bangladesh Labour Federation
Cont……..
http://www.fedee.com/labour-relations/trade-union-organisations/

American Trade Union
American unions represent a particular response to the American scene. But they have not
been ideologically disposed as European unions. Yet American unions are stronger than
European ones in several levels. For instance
- They are economically more powerful
- They have greater internal solidarity
- They are able to resist management at local level more effectively
Although the goals of American unions have been pragmatic and short run, they have
been successful in attaining them. American unions have objected to governmental
interference because they believe that they can achieve their aims in a free enterprise
society.
In addition, United States has many types of unions including Labor Christian
Association,American Catholic Trade Unions, Ideological unions and also some predatory
unions.
(Page – 304, ‘Industrial
Sociology’– D C Miller & W H Form)

The trade unions of the United States and Canada are numerically very
weak. At present, out of an organizable working class of at least 20,000,000 workers,
they comprise only 3,600,000. Of these 2,900,000 are in the American Federation of
Labor, 600,000 are in independent conservative unions (railroad brotherhoods,
clothing workers, etc.), and 100,000 in independent revolutionary organizations (I.
W. W., U. L. C. of A., etc.)
American industries contain millions of foreign-born workers of all
nationalities. In the great Homestead steel mills, for example, 54 nations are
represented. Comparatively few of these foreign-born workers are organized except
in the clothing and mining industries. The American workers tend to monopolize the
best jobs in industry hence they predominate in most of the skilled workers‘ unions.
The four railroad brotherhoods are almost entirely American in character, while the
four largest clothing unions are made up almost altogether of foreign-born. One-
seventh of the population of the United States are Negroes. These tend constantly to
migrate from the agricultural south to the industrial north, from the farm into the
industries.
( Page – 5, Trade Unions in America – W Z Foster, J P Cannon & E R Browder)

Structure of American Unionism
The American Federation of Labor is the principal trade union center for the United States
and Canada. It is a very loose federation of 111 national and international unions and 523
directly affiliated local unions. It is administered by an executive council of 11 members.
Most of the national unions in the US and Canada are autonomous bodies which, taken
together, make up the AFL- CIO. The convention is the broad policy-making body of the
labor union movements.
AFL – CIO:
1. The primary function of the AFL- CIO is to ocontrol jurisdictions among the national and
international unions.
2. To police member organizations to assure that they are not dominated by Communists or
Racketrers.
3. To organize the unorganized workers.
( Page – 308 , Industrial Sociology – D C Miller & W H Form)

4. Shaping legislative policies
5. It provides services for national and state bodies such as research, legal aid, educational
materials, public relations etc.
However, expulsion from the AFL-CIO is the main sanction which the labor movement
has to control its members,and this is an important and powerful weapon.
The International Union :
The structure of the international unions are very similar to the AFL-CIO. Theoretically,
the internationals are controlled by the locals, which sends delegates to an annual or
biannual convention. The convention is a law-making body ; it passes directives which the
elective executive committee and officials are expected to carry out between conventions.
The executive committee, in turn, has a staff for various purposes such as research,
education, legal aid, organization and publicity. The international unions are composed of
various accredited locals in an industry, craft or combination of both. Generally craft unions
have greater local autonomy, whereas the so-called industrial unions are more highly
centralized.
(Page – 309, Industrial Sociology – D C Miller & W H Form)

Locals and
Memberships
AFL-CIO
Conventions
State AFL-CIO
convention
International
Convention
AFL-CIO
City
Council
Officers &
Council
Executive
Board
Staff
Officers
and
Council
Staff
Executive
Committe
Staff
Officials Committees
( Page – 308 , Industrial Sociology – D C Miller & W H Form)

Advantage
• A culture of seeking compromise and mediation before conflict
• A tradition and expertise of mediation and negotiation
• Willingness to look to the long term
• Improve the economic postion of workers
• Personal recognition and social participation is ensured
• Increase wages for its members
• Protect workers from exploitation and help to uphold health and safety
legislation
• It can also help to negotiate productivity deals( Page – 314-319, Industrial Sociology – D C Miller & W H Form)

Disadvantages
• It creates unemployment if labor markets are competitive
• Trade union only considers the needs of the members and ignore the
non members
• Negotiation and mediation don’t work in all situations
• Uneven growth
• Multiplicity of unions
• Outside leadership
• Indifferent attitude of workers

Types OF Trade Union in Uk
General Unions. These are for skilled and
unskilled workers performing different jobs
in different industries (e.g. cleaners, clerical
staff, transport workers).
Industrial unions. These are for different
workers in the same industry (e.g. the
National Union of Miners (N.U.M), covering
workers at all levels in the hierarchy
Craft Unions. These are fairly small unions
for skilled workers, performing the same or
similar work in different industries (e.g.
musicians).
White-collar Unions. These are for 'white-collar'
(or professional) workers who perform the same
or similar tasks in different industries (e.g.
teachers, scientists).

American Federation of Labour and
Congress of Industrial Organizations
Business Unions – Increase well being of
their members
Welfare Organizations – Increase welfare
services both of the union and the
government
Life Embracing – Helps a worker of the
union in every realm in the life
( C. Miller , H. Form , 1964 , ‘Industrial Sociology, The Sociology Of Work
Organizations ‘, Harpar & Row Publishers : 301-302 )

Organizers of a Trade Union
The union local has about twenty elective officers. There are
five to seven members on the executive board and an equal
number of executive officers. Of them the leadings are :
I. President
II. Executive Board
III. Secretary- Treasurer
IV. Business Agent
V. International Representative
VI. Committees
VII.Stewards
VIII.General Members
( C. Miller , H. Form , 1964 , ‘Industrial Sociology, The Sociology Of Work Organizations
‘, Harpar & Row Publishers : 301-302 )

Policies
Certain policies are more or less advocated and practised by trade unions. These policies
breaks out the dilemma members from different class. These policies are :
Limitation of output : In general when a job is done until the other is in sight the employer
release the worker. Besides,when a hight standard of output have been achieved wages are
decided to keep average. This results physical starin and mental stress which results in
limitation of output .
Limitation of Aprentices: This means more work and better pay for those who are already
employed. It protects aged employers in the competition with youth. Moreover they have
better experience and learned skills.
Collective Agreements : The worker must sell at once at the best possible price the one
thing he has to sell- labor. The employer can generally pick and choose, and wait to obtain
labor when he wants it, at a price agreeable to him. To bring any approximation of equality
into this situation

employees must stand together as one man in bargaining with managements.
 The Union Shop : To require membership in fellow-employees as a part of a collective
agreement is to establish a union shop. This helps to make collective agreement. Those
who confront this situation with the proposition that it takes away liberty of individual
contract fail wholly to understand that the liberty of the manual worker is already
exceedingly limited. It is limited by (a) skill in only one kind of work, or (b) no skill; (c)
lack of appreciable savings, and (d) consequent urgency of earning money to support
himself and his family; (e) inability to go far for work; (f) competition for what jobs they
have.
The Walking Delegate : He is the union agent in whom more or less power to make
agreements and call strikes. Both direct and sympathetic have been replaced. They can
call in lawyars. But it cannot resent the intrusion of memebers. Incidentally, the power of
such officials to call strikes is being very much restricted by the unions.
The Boycott : This is still another method of putting organized labor into an effective
position in dealing with employers on equal terms. So far as it is only the organized
power of consumers urging other consumers to refrain from dealing in certain goods.
Ordway Tead, American Journal of Sociology, Vol. 22, No. 1 (Jul., 1916), 30-33 .

Role Of Trade Union In
Industrial Relations
Trade or labor unions have been around since the 1930s to resist through equal
bargaining power the domination of employers over employees and to represent workers’
interests in the employment relationship. The importance of trade unions cannot be
overstated even though membership has been on a steady decline.
Economic Security :
The basic role of the unions is to maintain or improve the economic
position of workers. They have social,political and personal funstions. It would be
unrealistic to underestimate the economic role. If their security is ensured, assimilated
members embraces broder goals for unions.
Collective Bargaining :
Labor unions developed to grant employees equal bargaining
power with their employers, who traditionally had the ability to exclusively set the terms
and conditions of work and pay.Unions represent workers within a given industry in
negotiation. Since the union comprises a

group of workers it has a greater voice.
Resistance and Indipendence :
Union can promote, demote and release the workers
according to the demands of situation. The union can also change the situation. It
considers employees first as person with rights. The basic function of the union is to
resist presures from management.
Employee Welfare :
Unions have successfully fought for better terms and conditions
for workers. They represent workers’ interests and have secured a variety of benefits,
such as higher wages for unionized employees, work-life balance characterized by
reasonable work schedules, job security and protection from arbitrary action by
employers. In a September 2012 essay on the CNN website, Democratic strategist Donna
Brazile asserted that is also due in part to union activity that discrimination in the
workplace was outlawed and that workers have access to health care, safe working
conditions and guaranteed Social Security.

 Unfair Practices :
Labor unions check the unfair labor practices of employers. The NLRA
declares that it is unlawful for employers to dominate a union, discriminate against workers
engaged in union activity, victimize workers who file charges against them with the
National Labor Relations Board or interfere with employees engaged in concerted union
activity. If the employer does any of these prohibited acts, the union can take it up with the
board on behalf of the employees.
Social Participation :
The unions moves towards the paternalistic welfare model
described by Dubin . Unions promise to extend rather than curtail their functions in the
future so that the members can be loyal and represent the organization with dignity. It is for
sure that unions will continue their dominant role.
• Nelson Foote, ‘The Professionalization of Labor in Detroit’, American Journal of
Sociology,January ,1953, pp.371-380.
• Spaulding, Charles B.
1970 , ‘An Introduction To Industrial Sociology ‘ , D. B. Taraporevala sons & Co. Private Ltd.
: 349-351

• a national minimum wage;
• the abolition of child labour;
• improved worker safety;
• improving living standards by reducing the number of hours in
the working week and encouraging a healthy work/life balance;
• improved parental leave;
• equality legislation;
• better protection of migrant workers and a reduction in
exploitation;
• minimum holiday and sickness entitlements
Ordway Tead, American Journal of Sociology, Vol. 22, No. 1
(Jul., 1916): pp- 13-14
Unions have brought significant changes to
society, including :

As it seems from our discussion , union is theoretically an organization responsible to
and run by amateurs who believe in democratic principles. It is an instituition as well as an
social movement which springs into action when the need arises. Unions must not only guard
against business and government, they must guard against the encroachment of rival unions
also. Labour unions have nonetheless had a lasting influence. The principles and practices of
trade unionism are embedded in the economic systems of most industrial countries.
Favourable legislation and, in some countries, direct political action have established
collective bargaining as the principal means of settling disputes over wages, working
conditions, and other issues. These successes have had far-reaching consequences, as many
of organized labour’s goals and tactics have been adopted by professional associations and
other groups traditionally outside the scope of unionism.

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