What is the purpose of trade union?

Question

What is the purpose of trade union?

Answer 1

errr rockthis_party, isn't it called plagiarism when you write something as if it was your own?!

Please see wiki for the source of the above answer http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trade_union

Answer 2

A trade union exists, in theory, to provide better working conditions for its members.  They do this by using the collective power of all members to sit on a more equal playing field with employers.  In this way they can demand higher wages, shorter working days, better working conditions, more on-the-job training, etc.

An example of a trade union having an unintended effect is when they set a wage (price of labor) that is above the market value of the labor (a price floor).  The result is a reduction in the number of people who are employed and a surplus of labor.

Answer 3

A trade union or labour union is an organisation of workers who have banded together to achieve common goals in key areas such as wages, hours, and working conditions, forming a cartel of labor. The trade union, through its leadership, bargains with the employer on behalf of union members (rank and file members) and negotiates labor contracts with employers. This may include the negotiation of wages, work rules, complaint procedures, rules governing hiring, firing and promotion of workers, benefits, workplace safety and policies. The agreements negotiated by the union leaders are binding on the rank and file members and the employer and in some cases on other non-member workers.

These organizations may comprise individual workers, professionals, past workers, or the unemployed. The most common, but by no means only, purpose of these organizations is "maintaining or improving the conditions of their employment"[1]

Over the last three hundred years, many trade unions have developed into a number of forms, influenced by differing political and economic regimes. The immediate objectives and activities of trade unions vary, but may include:

Provision of benefits to members: Early trade unions, like Friendly Societies, often provided a range of benefits to insure members against unemployment, ill health, old age and funeral expenses. In many developed countries, these functions have been assumed by the state; however, the provision of professional training, legal advice and representation for members is still an important benefit of trade union membership.

Collective bargaining: Where trade unions are able to operate openly and are recognized by employers, they may negotiate with employers over wages and working conditions.

Industrial action: Trade unions may enforce strikes or resistance to lockouts in furtherance of particular goals.

Political activity: Trade unions may promote legislation favorable to the interests of their members or workers as a whole. To this end they may pursue campaigns, undertake lobbying, or financially support individual candidates or parties (such as the Labour Party in Britain) for public office.