10 Questions
What is the primary role of trade unions?
To promote, protect and represent workers' rights and interests
What is one of the benefits of joining a trade union?
To negotiate the best possible conditions of employment for workers
What is the role of the Labour Department in industrial relations?
To act as an intermediary between the employer and employee(s) by offering advice on labour laws and common practices
What happens to issues of vacation pay that are not resolved by the Labour Department?
They are sent to the Solicitor General's Office
What is the purpose of collective bargaining?
To negotiate the best possible conditions of employment for workers
Which of the following is a trade union in Barbados?
Barbados Workers' Union
What is the role of the Employment Rights Tribunal?
To resolve unfair dismissal cases
What is the benefit of workers joining together in a union?
They have a stronger voice
What is the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT)?
A trade union that represents only teachers
Why do trade unions settle complaints and grievances?
To settle complaints and grievances between employers and employees
Study Notes
Role and Functions of Trade Unions
- Trade unions represent the best interests of their members and bargain on their behalf, providing a stronger voice for workers.
- The primary functions of trade unions are to promote, protect, and represent workers' rights and interests.
- Trade unions settle complaints and grievances between employers and employees through negotiation, collective bargaining, and industrial action.
Benefits of Joining a Trade Union
- Trade unions negotiate the best possible conditions of employment for workers, including:
- Wage and salary increases
- Safety in the workplace
- Promotion
- All workers have the right to join a union.
Types of Trade Unions
- There are unions that represent different types of workers, such as:
- Barbados Workers Union (BWU)
- Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT)
- Barbados Secondary Teachers Union (BSTU)
- There are several trade unions in Barbados, including:
- BEC – Barbados Employers’ Confederation
- BUT – Barbados Union of Teachers
- BSTU – Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union
- BWU – Barbados Workers’ Union
- NUPW – National Union of Public Workers
The Labour Department's Role
- The Labour Department acts as an intermediary between employers and employees, offering advice on labour laws and common practices.
- The Labour Department resolves issues related to vacation pay, and if unresolved, refers them to the Solicitor General’s Office.
- The Labour Department also acts as a conciliator in cases of unfair dismissal, and if unresolved, refers them to the Employment Rights Tribunal.
Learn about the role and functions of trade unions, including promoting and protecting workers' rights and interests, and settling disputes between employers and employees.
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