Trade Unions in South Africa
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of a trade union?

  • To negotiate with employers on behalf of employees (correct)
  • To organize leisure activities for members
  • To independently represent employees in court
  • To manage the company’s resources

    • It is compulsory for all trade unions in South Africa to be registered with the Department of Labour.

    False

    What are the two rights guaranteed to employees by the South African Constitution regarding trade unions?

    Freedom of association and the right to engage in industrial action.

    Trade unions aim to enhance their members' __________ power during negotiations.

    <p>negotiating</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of trade unions?

    <p>Offering business courses for members</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the trade union organizations with their abbreviations:

    <p>COSATU = Congress of South African Trade Unions FEDUSA = Federation of Unions of South Africa NACTU = National Council of Trade Unions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Trade unions provide advice on safety in the physical work environment.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name one of the three largest trade union organizations in South Africa.

    <p>COSATU, FEDUSA, or NACTU.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of a Shop Steward within a trade union?

    <p>To represent employees who are members of the trade union</p> Signup and view all the answers

    All employees are allowed to participate in strike action regardless of their work position.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name one type of industrial action that trade unions may organize.

    <p>Strike</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Membership fees must be deducted from the employee’s salaries by the __________.

    <p>employer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT an essential service as described?

    <p>Educators</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following industrial actions with their descriptions:

    <p>Strike = Refusal to work by employees Go-slow = Deliberately working slowly to affect productivity Picketing = Demonstrating outside employer premises Collective bargaining = Negotiation between employers and trade unions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Only registered trade unions may organize picketing.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the aim of NEDLAC in relation to labor policies?

    <p>To ensure that the government, trade unions, and employers agree on suggested changes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Trade Unions in South Africa

    • Trade Unions are groups of workers organized to negotiate with employers through collective bargaining
    • The South African Constitution protects the right of workers to join Trade Unions and participate in their activities
    • Key rights granted by the Constitution are freedom of association and the right to engage in industrial action like strikes and protests
    • Trade Unions in South Africa do not need to be registered but there are conditions to be met for registration with the Department of Labour

    Major Trade Union Organizations

    • COSATU (Congress of South African Trade Unions)
    • FEDUSA (Federation of Unions of South Africa)
    • NACTU (National Council of Trade Unions)

    Role and Responsibilities of Trade Unions

    • Representing members during collective bargaining with employers
    • Protecting employee rights during collective bargaining to ensure fair treatment
    • Representing members in negotiations with employers on issues such as salaries, benefits, safety in the workplace, working conditions, working hours, and job security
    • Representing members during disciplinary procedures
    • Providing advice on labour relations matters

    Trade Union Rights

    • Registered trade unions have the right to consult with employees in the workplace
    • Trade union meetings and communications with members cannot be prohibited
    • Membership fees can be deducted from employee salaries by the employer and paid to the Trade Union
    • If 60% or more employees in a business belong to a Trade Union, a Shop Steward (employee representative) can be appointed

    The Impact of Trade Unions on Businesses

    • If Trade Unions and businesses cannot agree on issues, Trade Unions can organize Industrial Action
    • Industrial Action includes strikes, go-slows, and picketing
    • Only registered Trade Unions are allowed to organize pickets

    Essential Services and Strike Action

    • The South African Constitution prohibits strike action for employees performing essential services
    • Essential services include the South African Police Service, doctors and nurses (healthcare), and members of parliament

    Trade Unions and NEDLAC

    • NEDLAC (National Economic, Development and Labour Council) is a forum for government, Trade Unions (organized labour), and employers to reach consensus on labour policy changes
    • NEDLAC helps build relationships between employers, Trade Unions, the government, and the community

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    Description

    Explore the role, rights, and major organizations of trade unions in South Africa. This quiz covers essential topics such as collective bargaining, constitutional rights, and the responsibilities of trade unions. Test your knowledge on how these unions operate within the legal framework of South Africa.

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