Time and time again it has been proven that workers in unionised workplaces get far better pay and terms and conditions than those that aren’t in a union. As a member of a union, you are entitled to free representation and legal advice should you ever need it.
WHAT DO TRADE UNIONS FIGHT FOR?
An organization made up of members (a membership-based organization) and its membership must be made up mainly of workers. One of a trade union’s main aims is to protect and advance the interests of its members in the workplace. Most trade unions are independent of any employer.
However, unions try to develop close working relationships with employers. This can sometimes take the form of a partnership agreement between the employer and the trade union which identifies their common interests and objectives.
PROVIDE FOR NEW TRAINING SKILLS
Unions have always played a leading role in fighting for education and skills to improve the life chances of their members and to strengthen the union voice at work through the effective training of workplace reps and professional officers.
FREEDOM OF COLLECTIVE BARGAINING
The Constitution recognizes the right to collective bargaining for all the workers except those who belongs to security services. Right to collective bargaining by registered trade unions, employers and employer’s organizations or federations is also recognized and regulated by Labour Act, 1985.
In accordance with the Labour Act, collective bargaining agreement (CBA) is an agreement negotiated in accordance with this Act which regulates the terms and conditions of employment of employees. A CBA usually provides better benefits to the worker than those provided in the law. If a CBA has provisions which are less favourable than those provided under the law, it cannot be enforced.
RIGHT TO STRIKE
Right of collective job action in the form of a strike, boycott, lock-out, sit-in or sit-out, or other such concerted action is recognized and is regulated under the Constitution and Labour Act, 1985. Although Labour Act maintains the list of essential services and no collective job action may be recommended or engaged in by the persons who are engaged in an essential service however, it requires employers not to punish the striking workers and prohibits hiring of replacement workers. Law restricts the exercise of this right in order to maintain essential services.
Peaceful strike is allowed only after all the methods of dispute resolution (negotiation, conciliation and arbitration) fail. Union members must inform the employer, relevant council and the opposition party in writing at least 14 days prior to proposed date of strike. Reason for the strike is also mentioned in the written notification.
Strike is considered illegal if it is not peaceful and does not comply with the provisions of Labour Act. A registered trade union or workers committee may authorise a picket, i.e., peacefully persuading other workers to participate in a strike.