Trade Unions PDF

The South African Constitiution CHA P T E R 4 TRADE UNIONS Department of Labour WHAT IS A TRADE UNION? The South African Constitution recognises Trade Unions and give the employees the...

The South African Constitiution CHA P T E R 4 TRADE UNIONS Department of Labour WHAT IS A TRADE UNION? The South African Constitution recognises Trade Unions and give the employees the right to join a Trade Union and partake Groups of workers that have organised in the Trade Union’s activities by themselves with the aim of being able to guaranteeing the following two rights: negotiate with their employers, using the Employees have Freedom of process of collective bargaining. Association. The right to engage in industrial It is not compulsory for a Trade Union in action (protests and strike). SA to be registered and certain conditions must be met before a Trade Union can be registered with the Department of Labour. ACTIVITY 1  THREE OF THE LARGEST TRADE UNION ORGANISATIONS IN SOUTH AFRICA THAT HAVE MANY SMALLER TRADE UNIONS AFFILIATED TO THEM ARE: COSATU CONGRESS OF SOUTH AFRICAN TRADE UNIONS FEDUSA FEDERATION OF UNIONS OF SOUTH AFRICA NACTU NATIONAL COUNCIL OF TRADE UNIONS ACTIVITY 2 THE ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF TRADE UNIONS The aim of a trade union is to represent the members during the collective bargaining process with the employer. Management is willing to be involved with this process of collective bargaining, because they prefer to negotiate with a group of representatives, rather than individual employees. Employees are prepared to allow the trade union to represent them as this strengthens their negotiating power. RESPONSIBILITIES OF TRADE UNIONS: The protection of employees’ rights during collective bargaining to ensure that employees are treated fairly. E S To represent members in negotiations S U I S with employers regarding issues. Salaries Benefits To represent members during disciplinary procedures. Safety in the physical work environment To give members advice on labour Good working conditions relations matters. Working hours Job security  RIGHTS OF TRADE UNIONS: A rgistered trade union has the right to If more than 60% of the consult with employees within the employees from a specific workplace. They may not be prohibited business belong to a trade from having meetings with members or union a Shop Steward communicating with them. (representative) may be applointed. This Membership fees must be deducted from representative will be one of the employee’s salaries by the employer the employees that is also a and then be paid to the trade union. member of the trade union. ACTIVITY 3  THE IMPACT OF TRADE UNIONS ON BUSINESSES When Trade unions and businesses cannot agree on certain issues during collective bargaining, Trade unions will organise Industrial Action. A STRIKE - a refusal to work by two or more employees, as a result of common work- related issues. A GO-SLOW - employees work, but deliberately work slowly, thereby affecting productivity levels. PICKETING - striking employees demonstrate in a problic place outside the premises of the employer. Only registered Trade unions may organise pickets.  ESSENTIAL SERVICES The South African Constitution prohibits employees performing an essential service from becoming involved in strike action: The South Africa Police Service. Doctors and nurses - as these services are vital and the interruption thereof could endages people’s health or safety. Members of parliament. ACTIVITY 4 TRADE UNIONS The aim of NEDLAC is to ensure that the AND THE government, Trade unions (organised labour) and the employer agree on suggested changes in connection with labour policies. MAINTENANCE NEDLAC plays an important role in building OF ECONOMIC relationships between employers, trade unions, the government and the community. GROWTH AND The various parties converse with each other DEVELOPMENT with the aim of promoting economic growth and to reach inclusive agreements regarding lavour legislation. NEDLAC National Economic Development and Labour Council ACTIVITY 5 ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIE