Labour History and Union Formation

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary objective of a trade union?

To manage the workplace

To regulate the employment relationship with customers

To organisate and represent the interests of employees (correct)

To negotiate with the government

What is collective bargaining according to Brown et al (2008)?

Any formal dialogue that takes place between employers and independent trade unions (correct)

A dialogue between employers and employees

A negotiation between employees and customers

A formal conversation between management and trade unions

At which levels can trade unions operate?

Only at the international level

Only at the enterprise level

At local, sectoral, regional, national, and international levels (correct)

Only at the national level

What is the relationship between trade unions and management in collective bargaining?

Trade unions and management engage in a direct dialogue Signup and view all the answers

Who defines a trade union as 'any organisation, whose membership consists of employees, which seeks to organise and represent their interests'?

Salamon (2000) Signup and view all the answers

What was the achievement of the Women Workers' Union in 1964?

2nd week paid holiday Signup and view all the answers

What has been the trend in union membership in Ireland from the 1990s to the 2000s?

Numbers have been increasing, but density has been decreasing Signup and view all the answers

What has been the change in union density in Ireland from 2000 to 2021?

A 12-point percentage fall Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable characteristic of trade unions in 21st century Ireland?

More women are in unions, with 6 of top ten having more female than male members Signup and view all the answers

Which union was responsible for achieving the 40-hour week in Ireland?

Irish National Painters' and Decorators' Trade Union Signup and view all the answers

What is the current challenge in estimating union membership in Ireland?

It is notoriously difficult to estimate Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of a trade union as stated by Sydney and Beatrice Webb in 1920?

A continuous association of wage earners with the objective of maintaining and improving conditions of employment Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the 1913 Lockout in Ireland?

A pyrrhic victory for the employers Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of the 1922 'Emergency' in Ireland?

The government used the army to break up pickets Signup and view all the answers

What was the trend of trade union numbers in Ireland between 1923 and 1959?

A period of rapid growth and then decline Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of the Shannon hydroelectrical scheme on the trade unions in Ireland?

It led to a significant increase in trade union membership Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the post-1959 period for the trade unions in Ireland?

Some healing of trade union rifts Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Gross Revenue column in the table?

To indicate the total revenue generated by the vendors Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the roles of unions in the workplace?

To negotiate pay and conditions of employment Signup and view all the answers

What is the title of the chapter written by Hickland and Dundon in 2016?

Reform of joint regulation and labour market policy during the current crisis: the manufacturing sector in the Republic of Ireland Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the organization that published the Global Wage Report 2014/2015?

International Labour Organization Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the benefits program mentioned in the text?

Paying benefits Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the traction forecasting table?

To display the number of users and revenue Signup and view all the answers

What is the title of the book edited by Nevin in 1994?

Trade union century Signup and view all the answers

Who is the author of the chapter '1894-1994: an overview'?

P. Lynch Signup and view all the answers

In which year was the book 'Labour history in Irish history' published?

2023 Signup and view all the answers

What is the title of the journal article written by F. Walsh in 2015?

Union membership in Ireland since 2003 Signup and view all the answers

Who is the editor of the book 'Trade unions and change in Irish society'?

D. Nevin Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Here are the study notes in markdown format:

Definition of a Trade Union

A trade union is an organization of wage earners that aims to maintain and improve employment conditions.
It represents and organizes employees' interests in the workplace and society.

History of Trade Unions in Ireland

1799/1800: Anti-combination legislation prohibited trade unions.
1824/1825: Repeal of anti-combination legislation, but little difference was made.
1850: "Model" unions emerged, primarily consisting of skilled workers.
1894: Irish Trade Union Congress (ITUC) was established.
1871: Legal existence of trade unions was recognized, but not their activities.
1875: Some immunities were granted to trade unions.
1906: Trades Act provided immunities for trade unions "in furtherance of a trade dispute".
1913 Lockout: Employers achieved a pyrrhic victory, but trade unions gained recognition.

Developments in the 20th Century

1919: Democratic Programme aimed to improve workers' conditions.
1922: The "Emergency" led to rising union numbers and fragmented Irish Labour Party & TUC.
1923-1959: Period of dissension and divisions in trade unions.
1959 onwards: Healing of trade union rifts and growth.

Trade Union Activities

Representing members in negotiations with employers.
Ensuring equity and fair treatment in the workplace.
Lobbying government on behalf of members.
Providing benefits, education, and scholarships.

Trade Union Membership and Density

1930s-1980s: Increasing membership and density.
1990s-2000s: Decrease in density despite increasing numbers.
2000-2021: 12-point percentage fall in density.

Comparison with France

Differences in trade union density and coverage.

Trade Unions in 21st Century Ireland

Increasing female membership in unions.
Importance of collective bargaining and social dialogue.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the history of labour movements and union formation, including key events and legislation in Ireland and beyond. Learn about the struggles and milestones of workers' associations and their impact on employment conditions. From the early days of anti-combination laws to the establishment of the ITUC, this quiz will challenge your understanding of labour history.