EMS Grade9 the economy Trade unions

A trade union is an organisation formed by workers to represent workers when they need to negotiate with their employers. A trade union is an organisation that protects the rights of workers. Trade unions are the link between employers, employees and the government. The trade unions work on behalf of employees to make sure that government legislation (set of laws) gives employees’ rights. These rights should protect employees from exploitation (bad treatment of someone to get what you want) and mistreatment by employers. It is the responsibility of every employer and employee to know the legislation and to enforce it in the workplace. The relationship between employers and employees or between businesses and trade unions is called industrial relations.

this is example of trade unions

1.1Mention the law that outlines the procedures to follow when workers want to strike. (2)

2List ONE reason for industrial action. (2)

3 Explain the negative impact of strikes and stay – away on businesses. (4)

4 Differentiate between a stay – away and a go – slow. (4)

5. Explain the concept trade union. (2)

6. Name THREE trade unions in South Africa. (3)

7. Name the largest trade union federation in South Africa. (1)

8.. Elaborate on the rights of trade unions. (4)

9.Mention THREE types of industrial action.(3)

concept of trade unions; brief historical development of trade unions; the roles and responsibilities of trade unions in South Africa; effect of trade unions in businesses; contribution of trade unions to sustainable growth and development.

The functions of trade unions

• Negotiate with employers for decent working conditions, remuneration and benefits for employees in order to improve their standard of living.

• Negotiate recognition of the union and the shop stewards by the employer.

• Represent the employees in meetings and disputes with employers.

• Protect employees from discrimination and abuse.

• Protect employees from unfair labour practice and unfair dismissal.

• Inform employees of their rights and how to enforce these rights.

• Take legal action on behalf of members when necessary.

Rights of trade unions

Government legislation gives trade union leaders a number of rights in terms of what they can and cannot do / request from businesses.

• The right to enter business premises to recruit members. 

• The right to conduct elections among members

• The right to collect membership fees from members, which can be deducted from workers’ salaries or wages.

• The right to represent and assist members during a disciplinary proceeding.

Roles and responsibilities of trade unions

Trade unions negotiate with businesses about workplace issues. Examples of issues are wage increases, working hours, safety at the workplace, unfair treatment and duties of workers and employers. These negotiations are called collective bargaining because the trade unions negotiate on behalf of the workers as a group. Collective bargaining is good for workers because it gives them power by standing together. In South Africa the law allows workers to go on strike if they cannot reach an agreement with an employer. For a strike to be legal the trade union must follow a strict procedure. They first take part in conciliation. Conciliation is when someone from outside the organisation tries to help opponents to agree. If this fails there is a waiting period. After that they must give formal notice that they plan to strike. Workers who go on an illegal (unprotected) strike can be fired. Workers on a legal (protected) strike cannot be fired for not going to work, but the employers have the right to say ‘no work no pay’.

Industrial action

1.Strikes

2.Goslow

3. Lockouts

Trade unions in South Africa Today South Africa has a large number of trade unions, at least one per industry who is active in securing better wages, benefits and working conditions for their members. About 3.1 million workers in South Africa belong to trade unions.

COSATU (Congress of South African Trade Unions) was established in 1985 and is the biggest labour federation in the country consisting of over 1.8 million members.

Examples of other trade unions are: National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) FOOD AND Allied Workers Union (FAWU) South African municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (SATAWU)

CLASS ACTIVITY MEMO

1. The Labour Relations Act

2.  Strike 

3. working hours lost and loss of income. They also create an image of instability in the country which may discourage foreign investment. Business contracts could be lost causing some businesses to close down and causing more job losses.

4.Stay away is when workers decided not work due to a certain complain that they haver , while go slow is when workers decided to come to work but work slowly in order to be answered on their complains.

5.trade union is an organisation formed by workers to represe

nt workers when they need to negotiate with their employers. A trade union is an organisation that protects the rights of workers.

6. COSATU ,SATAWU and NEHAWU

7. COSATU

8.The right to enter business premises to recruit members. 

• The right to conduct elections among members

• The right to collect membership fees from members, which can be deducted from workers’ salaries or wages.

• The right to represent and assist members during a disciplinary proceeding.

9. Go slow ,strike and lockouts 

i will ask the learners to ask questions ,add their views and on what , I have taught them  in class .

Thereafter i will summarize  the lesson and emphasis the important points ,and how questions are asked under this topic.

I will share a you tube video for extra explanation .

I will give the activity and wait for them to write and mark all of them.

Marietjie B ,Angela V.(2013)EMS Study &master G9,ed.Christine N. Cambridge university press

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKpykkUwb20

NAME ; Sandisiwe Dlakavu

student emails : 218098057@mycput.ac.za

personal email : Sandisiwean@gmail.com