Econs - 3.4

Question 1

trade unions

Answer 1

an organisation which aims to protect the interests of its worker members

Question 2

role of trade unions in the economy

Answer 2

• bargaining with employers for pay rises and better terms and conditions
• ensuring a safe working environment
• providing legal and financial support

Question 3

types of trade unions

Answer 3

1. craft unions
2. industrial unions
3. white collar unions
4. general unions

Question 4

craft unions

Answer 4

• oldest type of trade union
• formed to organised workers according to their particular skill

same trade

Question 5

industrial unions

Answer 5

• represent all workers in their industry
• eg. oil workers union would include workers involved in the exploration

*specific industry

Question 6

white collar unions

Answer 6

• labour unions recruit professional administrative and clerical staff (salaried workers) & other non-manual workers
• common in teaching, banking, the civil service and local government

*office workers & professionals

Question 7

general unions

Answer 7

• prepared to accept anyone
• usually large membership of unskilled workers
• eg. drivers, warehouse, hotels employees and shop worker

*any type of worker

Question 8

collective bargaining

Answer 8

• negotiation between employers & trade unions to agree on wages, working conditions & benefits
• done collectively to give workers more power

Question 9

wage claims

Answer 9

• a request for higher wages made by workers or unions
• based on inflation, productivity, or wage comparison with other jobs

Question 10

factors influencing the strength of trade unions - increase

Answer 10

• growth in manufacturing jobs in these countries (manufacturing industry is often unionised because of their poor working conditions & low pay)
• widening wealth gap and higher costs of living (leads to workers to petition for higher wages & better working conditions)

Question 11

factors influencing the strength of trade unions - decrease

Answer 11

• decline in manufacturing jobs
• growth in part-time jobs
• increase in unemployment
• increase in self employed people

Question 12

trade union membership - advantages

Answer 12

• act as a channel of communication between employees and employers (negotiation & collective bargaining)
• negotiate with government for minimum wage (increase standard of living for poorer workers)
• help reduce conflict
• develop improved industrial relations
• offer legal and financial support

Question 13

trade union membership - disadvantages

Answer 13

• often portrayed in the media as having a negative role in the economy (strikes cause decrease in productivity)
• can increase firms production costs when fighting for higher wages (government tax will also fall)