Grade 9 Business Studies - Trade Unions

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the major South African trade union federations, the role, responsibilities, and rights of trade unions, and collective bargaining from Grade 9 Business Studies.

Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU)

One of the three largest trade union organisations in South Africa, noted as the biggest and oldest, to which many smaller trade unions are affiliated.

Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA)

One of the three largest trade union organisations in South Africa that has many smaller trade unions affiliated to it.

National Council of Trade Unions (NACTU)

One of the three largest trade union organisations in South Africa to which many smaller trade unions are affiliated.

Primary Aim of a Trade Union

To represent members during the collective bargaining process with the employer.

Collective Bargaining

A process of negotiation between an employer and a group of employee representatives (trade union) that strengthens employee negotiating power and simplifies discussions for management.

Negotiation Responsibilities of Trade Unions

Representing members in talks with employers concerning salaries, benefits (such as pension, medical aid, leave, and housing), workplace safety and conditions, working hours, and job security.

Disciplinary Representation

The trade union responsibility to represent members during grievance procedures, disciplinary action, or in the Labour Court.

Labour Relations Advisory Role

The responsibility of a trade union to give members advice on workplace matters such as workplace restructuring and possible retrenchments.

Workplace Consultation Rights

The right of a registered trade union to consult with employees in the workplace without being prohibited from holding meetings or communicating with members.

Deduction of Membership Fees

The union right requiring employers to deduct trade union fees directly from employees' salaries and pay them over to the trade union.

Shop Steward

A workplace representative appointed from among the employees who is also a trade union member, allowed when more than $50\%$ of the employees at a specific business belong to that trade union.