Unions Organized Labor Unit 4 C What is

Unions & Organized Labor Unit 4 C

What is a Labor (Trade) Union? Labor unions are legally recognized as representatives of workers in many industries in the U. S. and around the world. The primary purposes of a labor union are to: Negotiate wages and working conditions Regulate relations between workers (its members) and the employer Take collective action to enforce the terms of collective bargaining

What is a Labor (Trade) Union? (con’t) Raise new demands on behalf of its members Help settle grievances

Advantages of Labor Unions Compensation Ensures all wages and compensations are written into a contract that is negotiated by the union and management Equality Eliminates favoritism from promotions or salary increases Everyone is subject to the same guidelines and job responsibilities

Advantages (con’t. ) Seniority The person who has worked in a position the longest is first in line for promotions Offers protection from favoritism or the subjective opinion of management Consistency Responsibilities of workers are strictly defined and they cannot be arbitrarily changed by management

Advantages (con’t. ) Employee Union Representation workers do not have to negotiate on their own behalf A union will negotiate on behalf of the entire group A worker can gain an advantage in numbers

Disadvantages of Labor Unions (con’t. ) Labor Strikes A tool used by unions to motivate employers to meet their demands May stop production in the organization No guarantee demands will or can be met No guarantee job will still be available to the worker No pay while striking

Disadvantages (con’t. ) Incentives Seniority leaves few ways in which to motivate employees to work harder, produce more, or find creative solutions to problems. Dues As a union member, you are required to pay dues, even if you disagree with the opinions of the union

Disadvantages (con’t. ) Majority Rules Most union decisions are made by vote; therefore, majority rules Competition May inhibit the ability of a company to remain competitive Union wages are often higher than non-union Increases in production or harder work are not rewarded so are not strived for

Most Influential Trade Unions For some they cause chaos and exert undue power on democratic governments For others they offer representation to the voiceless and save jobs from global imbalance Trade unions are a strong political and economic force around the world.

COSATU (South Africa) The Congress of South African Trade Unions, founded 1985 Played a major role in apartheid, mobilizing strikes and protesting racial inequality Forged close links with the post-apartheid dominant political party In 2010, backed a public sector strike that helped nurses, doctors, and teachers demand wage hikes.

The All-China Federation The world’s largest, with over 130 million members Was considered a revolutionary organization upon its formation in 1925 The government tried to restrict activities and members were often imprisoned or executed After Mao in the 1960 s, the union was banned again, re-emerging after his death. Today, the ACFTU is working (sort of) with the Beijing government.

Conféderation Générale du Travail (France) In 2006, the Prime Minister of France announced plans to reform the country’s labor laws Used to create flexible working contracts for young people Resistance by the unions was expected, but violent street protests mobilized by unions and students took many by surprise.

IG Metall (Germany) Represents workers at Germany’s most recognizable brands in heavy industry and manufacturing Often seen as moderate Ex. In 2008, lobbied for 8% pay increase but dropped its demands to 4. 2% during financial crisis Strong because manufacturing drives growth in Germany

Civil Servants Confederation (Greece) Greece’s recent austerity measures have created widespread dissent and street protests Members of ADEDY have the most to lose as many public sector jobs will be cut Other unions have also called for general strikes, shutting down services in the country when it desperately needs growth

Egyptian Trade Union Federation (Egypt) After the overthrow of Mubarak’s government, four unions signed a declaration creating the Federation of Egyptian Trade Unions. Ended state control Began lobbying for labor reform, workers rights, and human rights with the new government

Confederation of Mexican workers (Mexico) Largest union in Central America No other unions appear less revolutionary and progressive than the CTM Was effectively in government until the main party lost power in 2000 Has not regained its power Critics say its weakened role and conservatism does not help workers and prevents the formation of fresher unions

Solidarity (Poland) The trade union, founded by a poor electrician, helped fatally undermine the Kremlin’s influence Lech Walesa (who later became president) amassed more than 9 million members in its first year Created a social protest movement that resisted martial law Today claims 400, 000 members and runs more traditionally

The RMT (United Kingdom) The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers Not in the political mainstream, but causes much disruption Instigated the strikes that shut down the Underground, losing the city £ 50 million per day Often threated strikes during major events and holidays (ex. 2012 Olympics)

International Brotherhood of Teamsters (USA) Have been organizing a labor force in the US for more than a century Most famous for their historic links to organized crime Al Capone, Roger Touhy, Jimmy Hoffa