TRADE UNIONS

Trade Unions in the United Kingdom

Abstract

Britain has a long history of trade unions. In the United Kingdom, trade unions have diverse structures. There are various factors which have affected the organisation and structure of trade unions in the United Kingdom. These factors include technological change, nature of employment, composition of the labour force, and growth or decline of various industries. One of the most important goals of trade unions is to maintain and improve terms and conditions of workers who are members of the union. Trade unions accomplish their tasks through collective bargaining. The success of unions depends on their bargaining strength.

Table of Content

Abstracti

Introduction1

Discussion1

British Trade Unions2

Effect of Trade Unions on Wages2

Trade Unions in the United Kingdom: The Past3

Collapse of Trade Unions in the United Kingdom3

What Are Britain's Trades Unions For?4

Functions of Trade Unions5

Trade Unions and Businesses in the United Kingdom6

Conclusion7

References9

Trade Unions in the United Kingdom

Introduction

There are several profound changes which have occurred in the United Kingdom during the last quarter of a century. One of these changes is in the form of increased employee representation and voice. Union membership in the United Kingdom has been declined by over five million. The changes in employee relations in the United Kingdom have created the need to analyse the future of trade unions in the United Kingdom (Metcalf and Fernie, 2005, pp.1).

The labour law of the United Kingdom is based on negotiations between the employer and social and economic power of the workforce. The purpose of this negotiation is to encourage both parties to use power in a responsible manner. Trade union is a legal organisation which works to regulate relationships between employees and employers. Trade unions are provided with certain power which other voluntary groups do not possess. Trade unions are held responsible if they break the law or work for their own interests instead of the interests of members (Kidner, 1980, pp.3).

Discussion

The 1970 was the heyday of trade unions in the United Kingdom. At that time, half of all employees were members of trade unions. Approximately 70% of workers had set their pay and working conditions through collective bargaining.

In 1997, when Blair government came into power, trade union membership was constant at seven million mark that is equal to a density figure of 29 percent. This density is influenced by demographic, job, and workplace. The density level of people who have higher education is higher than those whose qualifications are fewer. Aggregate membership is larger in the public sector than in the public sector (Metcalf and Fernie, 2005, pp. 4).

British Trade Unions

Trade unions in the United Kingdom have diverse structures. There is no central authority that plans these trade unions. Trade unions, in the United Kingdom, have been evolved in different directions. The organisation and structure of trade unions has been affected by technology, the nature of employment, composition of the labour force, and growth or decline of various industries.

Effect of Trade Unions on Wages

One of the most important goals of trade unions is to maintain ...