TRADE UNIONS

What is a trade union?

An association of workers of the same occupation that come together to protect and seek the interests of all members.

List three examples of trade unions in the Caribbean region.

1. Oilfield Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU) 2. Trinidad and Tobago United Teachers’ Association (TTUTA) 3. Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU)

What is collective bargaining?

The process by which trade union officials representing workers meet with employers to negotiate for higher wages and better terms and conditions of work.

Name two international labor organizations.

1. International Labour Organization (ILO) 2. Caribbean Congress of Labour (CCL)

What are the two main types of market in a free market economy?

Goods market and factor market.

What is the role of trade unions in a free market economy regarding wages?

Trade unions secure higher wages for their members.

What does a general union represent?

Membership is open to all types of workers, regardless of occupation.

Give an example of an industrial union.

Dockers and Marine Workers’ Union of Jamaica.

What is the function of the International Labour Organization (ILO)?

To promote employment creation, maintain workers' rights, and ensure social protection and dialogue.

Define industrial unrest.

Activities undertaken by workers when they protest against pay or terms and conditions of work.

What is a closed shop policy?

A practice where all employees in a workplace must belong to a specific union.

What is a sit-in?

A non-violent protest where participants occupy an area and remain seated until their requests are met.

What is the purpose of work-to-rule?

Workers follow every rule exactly which reduces productivity.

How do trade unions contribute to the development of a country?

By bargaining on behalf of workers in an organized fashion, they help improve labor conditions.

What can happen as a cost of trade union activity?

Demands for higher wages can lead to increased unemployment and reduced economic activity.

Name two forms of industrial unrest other than strikes.

1. Sit-in 2. Work-to-rule.

What kind of union do workers in the communication industry belong to if they are part of the Communication Workers’ Trade Union (CWTU)?

They belong to a craft union, comprising workers with similar skills in the communication industry.