Legal Definitions - trade union

A trade union, often simply referred to as a union, is an organized association of workers formed to protect and advance their rights and interests. Its primary function is to represent its members in negotiations with employers regarding wages, benefits, working conditions, job security, and other employment-related matters. This process is known as collective bargaining. Trade unions also advocate for fair treatment, safe workplaces, and adherence to labor laws on behalf of their members.

Here are some examples illustrating the role of a trade union:

• Example 1: Negotiating a New Employment Contract

  Imagine a union representing all the factory workers at a large automobile manufacturing plant. When the existing employment contract is about to expire, the union's elected representatives sit down with the company's management team. They negotiate on behalf of all the workers for higher wages, improved health insurance benefits, and better retirement plans for the next three years. The union ensures that the collective voice of the workers is heard and that their interests are protected during these discussions.

  This example illustrates a trade union's core function of collective bargaining, where it represents its members to secure better terms and conditions of employment from an employer.

• Example 2: Advocating for Workplace Safety Improvements

  Consider a union representing construction workers on various building sites across a city. After several incidents involving scaffolding collapses and inadequate safety gear, the union identifies a pattern of negligence. The union then formally approaches the construction companies and local regulatory bodies, demanding stricter safety protocols, mandatory training, and the provision of high-quality safety equipment for all workers. They might even organize a protest or file a complaint to ensure their demands are met.

  This example demonstrates how a trade union acts as an advocate for its members' safety and well-being, pushing for improved working conditions beyond just wages and benefits.

• Example 3: Protecting a Member from Unfair Dismissal

  Suppose a long-term administrative assistant at a university, who is a member of the university staff union, is suddenly dismissed by their department head without clear justification. The assistant believes the dismissal is unfair and contacts their union representative. The union then steps in, reviewing the university's policies, gathering evidence, and representing the assistant in meetings with human resources and senior management. The union's goal is to ensure due process is followed and, if the dismissal is found to be unjust, to negotiate for the assistant's reinstatement or a fair severance package.

  This example highlights a trade union's role in protecting individual members from unfair treatment, ensuring job security, and upholding workers' rights within the workplace.