6.5 The Infuence of trade unions in determining wages and levels of employment

what does the impact of trade unions depend on

the union → some are more influential and millitant

the density

support of the public

regulation

importance/bargaining power of workers

the market

what happens if a TU sucessfully raises wages in a competetive market

Wages increase but employment falls

what happens if a TU sucessfully raises wages in a monopsony

wages increase and employment increases

Examples of regulation that restricts trade union power

ballots on strike action must be postal, closed and have at least 50% turnout

14 days notice must be given prior to a strike

ban on secondary picketing

when did the regulation on trade unions come into place and why

1980s by Magret thatcher after intense miners stikes

RMT

The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers is a British trade union covering the transport sector.

Militant union

workers that can’t strike

police and prison workers (unless for health and safety)

which group of workers have a minimum service requirement

paramedics

what do unions do other than pay rises

legal advice and protection, wrongful dismisal, lobby for T+Cs eg retierment plans

context on public support as a factor influencing TU power

during the minors strike, it was recorded and presented to the public from the perspective of the police, shifiting public opinions

which was importaint in a time where striking miners relied on donations for pay

one of the factors that allowed the govt to win