Formation of a Trade Union

Study Notes

A trade union is a registered association of persons with the objective of regulating employment relations between workers and employers.
To form a trade union, an application must be made to the Registrar within 30 days of formation.
The application must be in the approved form and accompanied by the prescribed fee, 2 copies of the union's rules, a certified copy of the minutes of the meeting approving the formation, and a statement of particulars.

The Registrar may register a trade union if the requirements are complied with, the rules comply with the Act and the Constitution of Mauritius, the name is not similar to an existing registered trade union, and the minimum number of members is met (30 for workers, 5 for employers).
The Registrar may refuse registration if the requirements are not met, and the applicant may appeal to the Tribunal within 21 days.

To secure fair wages considering cost of living, profitability, and standard of living.
To improve working conditions, including hours, transport, leave, training, welfare, and safety.
To seek higher pay or better working conditions when the enterprise is profitable.
To defend and protect workers' rights and interests, ensuring fairness at work.
To protect employees from victimization, unfair practices, and unnecessary retrenchment.

Some trade unions represent workers in multiple sectors, while others are sector-specific (e.g., Craft, Industry, Agriculture, Services).
Some trade unions represent only public sector employees, but may also cut across sectors and occupations.

They are well-organized and have professionals to help defend employees' interests.
They maintain orderly employment relations and give dignity to employees.
They improve social benefits and living standards.
They provide useful services to employees, such as legal aid, counseling, and financial assistance.
They carry out research and present workers' interests at national forums and institutions.

Some become radical and mix political objectives with enterprise-level negotiations, leading to conflict and disorder.
They can be fragmented, leading to inter-union conflict.
They may fail to adapt to changes in the economy and resist necessary change.
They may lack skills and knowledge to defend employees in a globalized world.

A trade union is a registered association of persons with the objective of regulating employment relations between workers and employers.
To form a trade union, an application must be made to the Registrar within 30 days of formation.
The application must be in the approved form and accompanied by the prescribed fee, 2 copies of the union's rules, a certified copy of the minutes of the meeting approving the formation, and a statement of particulars.

The Registrar may register a trade union if the requirements are complied with, the rules comply with the Act and the Constitution of Mauritius, the name is not similar to an existing registered trade union, and the minimum number of members is met (30 for workers, 5 for employers).
The Registrar may refuse registration if the requirements are not met, and the applicant may appeal to the Tribunal within 21 days.

To secure fair wages considering cost of living, profitability, and standard of living.
To improve working conditions, including hours, transport, leave, training, welfare, and safety.
To seek higher pay or better working conditions when the enterprise is profitable.
To defend and protect workers' rights and interests, ensuring fairness at work.
To protect employees from victimization, unfair practices, and unnecessary retrenchment.

Some trade unions represent workers in multiple sectors, while others are sector-specific (e.g., Craft, Industry, Agriculture, Services).
Some trade unions represent only public sector employees, but may also cut across sectors and occupations.

They are well-organized and have professionals to help defend employees' interests.
They maintain orderly employment relations and give dignity to employees.
They improve social benefits and living standards.
They provide useful services to employees, such as legal aid, counseling, and financial assistance.
They carry out research and present workers' interests at national forums and institutions.

Some become radical and mix political objectives with enterprise-level negotiations, leading to conflict and disorder.
They can be fragmented, leading to inter-union conflict.
They may fail to adapt to changes in the economy and resist necessary change.
They may lack skills and knowledge to defend employees in a globalized world.