Trade Unions

Purpose of trade unions:

to improve pay and working conditions of its members.

goals for its members are to ensure:

• That you don’t lose your job unfairly.

• That you are rightly compensated for any work-related injury.

• That you are given the right to obtain additional pay benefits

• That you are given advice on financial and legal matters

• The ability for the union to advocate/voice major changes they wish to make.

Purpose of trade unions:

to improve pay and working conditions of its members.

goals for its members are to ensure:

• That you don’t lose your job unfairly.

• That you are rightly compensated for any work-related injury.

• That you are given the right to obtain additional pay benefits

• That you are given advice on financial and legal matters

• The ability for the union to advocate/voice major changes they wish to make.

The four major types of unions:

Craft Union, General Union, Industrial Union, White Collar Unions

Craft Union

Only allows workers who possess certain skills like mechanics, electricians, and plumbers

General Union

Allows unskilled workers from all areas like blue collar workers

Industrial Union

Allows workers from a certain industry like the banking & tourism industries

White Collar Unions

Allows people from professional jobs like doctors, teachers, accountants, and lawyers

The 1st ever Trade union movement occurred in _____, formed by the ______________

1940, Salt Pond Workers of Inagua

In _____, a general strike caused Bay Street to close down. As a result, store owners lost around ___% of income. It ended ___ days later and caused the government to pass a new _____________________for all Bahamian workers.

1958, 85, Labour Legislation Law

The Effect of the Legislation:

1. Hotel and Agricultural workers were allowed to join unions

2. Labour department was established

3. The Bahamas Transportation Authority was set up

4. The Bahamas Trade Union Congress formed.

The Trade Union Congress’ main goal:

to negotiate with the government on the trade unions’ behalf.

Due to his contributions, Randal Fawkes was named:

The Father of the Trade Union in The Bahamas

Randal Fawkes Contributions:

• In 1955, he opened an employment agency for all and organized the country’s 1st Craft Union.

• Formed “The Bahamas Federation of Labour” where he became its 1st president.

People who helped Randol Fawkes

Simeon Bowe and Anthony Roberts

Name 5 unions established at the time:

1. Bahamas Hotel Employees Association

2. Bahamas Union of Teachers

3. Public Service Union

4. Bahamas Hotel and Catering Union

5. Bahamas Musicians and Entertainment Union

As present, there are over 36 Unions in The Bahamas with the largest being:

The Bahamas Hotel Catering & Allied Workers Union

Collective bargaining

the deciding of wage rates and working conditions by negotiations between the trade union officials and members of the employer’s association.

Demand and supply play a role in the negotiation of wages. A trade union’s power to influence wages depends on:

its ability to influence the supply of labour

How trade unions can influence the supply of labour:

1. Restricting entry (employment) only to those who have served a recognized apprenticeship (carpenter, mechanic, electrician).

2. Insisting that certain types of jobs only be carried out by union members.

3. Operating a closed shop where employers agree only to employ workers of that union

4. Calling strike

The threat of strike varies from industry to industry. Unions with more importance have more power when it comes to striking. Examples of these unions include:

Bahamas Electrical Union, Hotel Catering & Allied Workers Union, & Teachers Union

Effects of wage increase on the demand for labour:

Wages is increased after workers go on strike => Price is increased for consumers => Price of goods become increased for consumers which lowers demand => The drop in demand results in a surplus of goods. Companies have to reduce their production, so fewer workers are needed, and are laid off.

Trade unions would base their claims for higher wages on one of the following grounds:

1. Increase in cost of living

2. Increase in productivity

3. Increase in company profits

4. Comparison to wages of workers in other industries

Industrial action

when workers go on strike

Official strike

union members go on strike with the union backing (Union may provide strike pay)

Unofficial strike

Members strike without majority vote and without union members to back them

No strike agreement

workers agree not to strike in return for a contractual agreement with the management

Closed shop

all workers in the company belong to the same union and can refuse to work with anyone who is not a member

Work to rule

workers follow all the strict rules and regulations of the company which can result in slower production

go slow

similar to work to rule but workers also work much slower than usual

picketing

workers on strike march in front of the company with plack cards. Other workers are persuaded not to cross the picket line or enter the premises

Boycott

unions can refuse to work with certain employees or machines if employees feel that their jobs are in danger

sit in

workers block the premises ensuring that no goods enter or leave the premises

overtime ban

workers refuse to work additional hours

mediator

usually, a neutral 3rd party chosen to hear grievances & come up with possible solutions

demarcation dispute

arises when one group of workers object to another group of workers doing a particular job. This is a result of pay rate differences.

Lockout

a situation where management prevents workers from returning to work until a new contract is reached

strikes generally occur over:

1. Pay rates

2. “Who does what” disputes

3. Staffing levels and work arrangements

4. Work conditions

5. Dismissal and redundancy arrangements

6. Workers’ rights within a country

union buster

someone who goes against the union wishes by working during a boycott

shop steward

union representative in the workplace who listens to the complaints of the members and report them to the union

agency shop

a type of trade union organization where all members in a particular field must be unionized. There is a difference in the amount of dues they pay & the benefits they receive

arbitration

when both sides of a dispute request that the situation be taken to an arbitrator (neutral person). Both sides agree to honor the decision of this person

Industrial dispute

any dissatisfaction on the job that is not resolved, causing the union to take action

conciliation

a 3rd party usually appointed by the government to find a solution acceptable to both sides

industrial tribunal

Individuals chosen to handle industrial disputes. They deal with individual conciliation cases. They group may consist of a:

• Chairperson (Usually a lawyer)

• Representative for employer

• Representative for employee

The decision arrived at is final and can be enforced in the court of law.

The size of union membership will depend on various factors

1. Size of the business - in smaller companies there is usually more communication between employer and employee leaving less chance for disputes

2. The conduct of record and management - If there is a good employee/employer’s relationship, then workers will see no need to join a union

   1. Success or lack of success of the union - If the union has been successful in obtaining better wages and working conditions more members may be interested and join

3. The concentration of workers within an industry - If workers do no work together or make their problems known, then fewer would depend on the union.

Trade unions in The Bahamas today generally tend to:

1. Promote a better education of quality for The Bahamas

2. Encourage good relationships among all workers and liaison between them & their governing bodies

3. To obtain fair wages for services rendered

4. To secure relief for members in sickness, accidents, disablement, unemployment, and victimization

5. To promote legislation that is in the best interest of its members

6. To provide grants, endowments, and scholarships to their members.