Trade Union – Definitions: By Lester, Edwin B. The trade unions have become popular primarily due to the desire on the part of workers to better their economic conditions and the realization that individual bargaining was utterly useless for protecting and promoting their economic interests. Thus trade union is an instrument of defence against exploitation and provide a forum for collecting the forces of working class. Trade union can be considered as a device, which enables a group to bargain with another group on equal footing. Thus a trade union is basically an organisation of employees formed primarily for the purpose of the pursuit of the common interests of its members. 2 (b) of the Trade Union Act, 1926, “A trade union is any combination of persons, whether temporary or permanent, primarily for the purpose of regulating the relations between workers and workers, and for imposing restrictive condition on the conduct of any trade or business and includes the federation of two or more trade unions.” There is a large diversity of opinions in regard to the role of trade unions, yet all agree to the fundamental purpose of trade unionism, viz., the pursuit of the economic interests of the members.Īccording to Sec. Trade unions have been defined differently by different writers and thinkers. It has many facets-social, economic, political and psychological. It is formed for protecting the interest of workers. A trade union is an association of workers formed with the object of improving the conditions of workers. Trade union movement began against the exploitation of workers by certain managements under the capitalist system. Trade union is the outcome of the modern industrial system which focuses on large scale production and employs large number of workers who are unorganised and lack bargaining power.
Trade union movement gained worldwide popularity in the 20th century. Some view that there are only associations of employees or persons working in industry and wage earners engaged in one or more professions, undertaking or business, while others view that these also include employers organizations and friendly societies. The term ‘trade union’ has been defined variously by different authors. The preview of activities now includes even the political and welfare activities undertaken by it for the benefits of its members. In modern context, however, trade unions activities are not confined to mere securing the economic benefits. To an average person, a trade union signifies an organisation of worker engaged in securing certain economic benefits for its members.
They joined hands to protect their interest through collective action.Ī trade union is an organised expression of needs, attitude and expectations of the workers. The workers felt exploited at the hand of the employers. In all early stage of industrialisation, there was lack of legal protection for workers. The main reason for their emergence is the failing system and capitalistic society. Over the years, trade unions have emerged as an essential feature of industry in every country. The rights and obligations of employers (frame rules for’ work, discipline employees who defy command etc.) are well documented in various pieces of labour legislation. Today the relationship between employer and employee is contractual and reciprocal. Thus one-sided exploitative acts have no place in the industrial relations scene- especially when we look at labour management relations (relationship between employers – employee, employee-employee, employer-union, etc.) in large undertakings. He has to act within the boundaries set by collective agreements, unions, past practices and court decisions. He cannot promote/demote someone based on personal preferences. The employer can no longer hire and fire employees. Over the years, the contractual relationship between employer and employee has undergone several changes. Measures for Strengthening Trade Unions.Techniques to Achieve the Objectives of Trade Unions.Rights and Responsibilities of Trade Unions.Duties and Responsibility of a Trade Union.Factors Affecting Growth of Trade Unions.
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