Introduction to union representation

Introduction to union representation

Union representation is the act of defending the interests of the employees in an organization or a company. Regarding this, union representatives are chosen by the stakeholders who, in turn, represent and protect the interests of their fellow employees as labor members as well as officials. Moreover, the union representatives give advice and guidance regarding the rights of employees. Nevertheless, they represent their fellow members in disciplinary and grievance cases. They make workplaces safe for employees by advocating for equality. Therefore, union representation is essential to employees since it enhances opportunities for learning and skills development.

History of trade unions

As an organized movement, trade unionism originated in the 19th century in the United States, Europe, as well as Great Britain. Small associations formed by workers were started in Great Britain in the 18th century; they were short-lived in the 19th century. As a result of hostility posed by the employers and governmental groups, they resented into a new form of political as well as economic activism. While organizers in Britain and the US faced similar obstacles in union formations, there were differences in the evolution of approaches. For instance, political activism that was adopted by the British movement resulted in the creation of the labor party in 1906. Whereas, American unions applied collective bargaining as a way of winning economic gains for the employees.

In 1866, the National Labor Union (NLU) attempted to create a federation of American unions. Despite NLU disappearing in the 1870s, many of its members continued representing diverse occupations, for instance, coal miners, railway workers, and spinners. The formation of the American Federation of Labor (AFL) sparked the beginning of a continuous large scale labor movement in the United States. During the 20th century, the crafts unions lost their superiority to industrial unions. It was a historical as well as a controversial shift since the earlier associations were developed to represent skilled workers. In 1935, the AFL opposed the plans to organize the unskilled and expelled a group of members who attempted to organize the group. The expelled members formed the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO). By 1941, CIO had ensured the success of industrial unionism through the organization of the steel and automobile industries. Right-to-work laws were eventually formulated in the 20th and 21st centuries. These laws protect the economic liberty of workers. Moreover, other economic libertarians’ states adopted legislation to limit collective bargaining and the right to strike by public-sector unions.

Advantages of trade unions

Trade unions have various benefits for the employees. More so, it boosts the morale of the employee hence motivating them. Trade unions increase wages for the members. Regarding this, the organizations with trade unions have higher salaries compared to those organizations lacking associations.

Moreover, trade unions pursue collective bargaining hence providing workers with a significant influence in terms of negotiations for fair pay. When workers get high wages, they become more loyal to the organization due to motivation. Therefore, the productivity of the firm will increase. Furthermore, trade unions represent the workers. Concerning this, unions protect workers from exploitation and also assist in upholding legislation that is healthy and safe. For instance, unions provide representation to employees facing legal action. As a result, the employees get motivated and gain morale to work towards the organization’s objectives.

Trade unions necessitate the negotiation and implementation of new working practices that ensure an increase in productivity. In this case, the firm may decide to increase the pa, basing on the condition of new methods implementation that results in higher productivity. Moreover, they are involved in creating good working relations between the management and the employees. Furthermore, trade unions enhance equality in the working place. All employees are subjected to the same laws; equally, wages and salaries are made fair to the employees, and they ensure compensation of workers in case of injuries and accidents.

Disadvantages of trade unions

Despite trade unions having various advantages, they also have drawbacks. For instance, the creation of unemployment. Concerning this, disequilibrium unemployment is caused when labor markets are in stiff competition, and unions are successful in pushing for higher salaries. Moreover, unions a powerful and can cause disruptions hence discouraging organizations from investing and creates unemployment. The trade unions also ignore non-members and consider only its members’ needs and interests. Nevertheless, unions result in wage inflation. For example, if they possess more powers, they can bargain for high salaries and wages above the inflation rate.

Collective bargaining and how it helps employees

Collective bargaining is a form of employer-employee relations that provides room for employees to raise their concerns and to be heard in their place of work. Concerning this, professionals apply collective bargaining to ensure integrity as well as respect in the workplace. Moreover, it helps create an environment that is safe for the employees. Collective bargaining addresses the concerns of the workplace. Through this, employees earn and maintain substantive wages. It also enables workers to get accessed to benefits such as health and pension. Nevertheless, collective bargaining addresses grievances and discipline. The process ensures that the workers have notice and also an opportunity to respond to the allegations put forward by the employer.