Trade Unions and Employer Groups Flashcards

Trade Unions and Employer Groups

Historical Examples of Action to Improve Working Conditions

• The first 'industrial action' by Australian workers is considered to be the convict strike of 1791 when convicts demanded daily rather than weekly rations.

• Following the end of the transportation of convicts and the impact of the gold rushes of the 1850s, the demand for workers increased, giving workers some negotiating power. This encouraged union campaigns for better working conditions. Workers were dragged from settlements to work in the gold rushes.

• On April 21st, 1856, workers marched into the Victorian Parliament, gathering more workers from construction sites along the way. Their demands for eight hours of work per day with no loss of pay were granted by the government. However, they still worked 6 days - 48 hours a week.

The History of Trade Unions

• The history of trade unions can be traced back to the merchants guilds of the Renaissance. Workers in the same job banded together to organize their industry, set prices, agree upon standard practices, and protect the rights of their members.

• Australian trade unions play a similar role. They are organizations of workers who actively seek better pay, safer working conditions, and increased job security.

• It is not compulsory for workers in a particular industry to join a union, although it is strongly encouraged by union members.

• A union with a large number of active members can place more pressure on governments and employers than a smaller union. This pressure usually takes the form of industrial action, which can include strikes and work bans.

• Industrial action can be brief and isolated, or it can continue for days or weeks — even years in extreme cases.

• The longest industrial action in Australia occurred in 1946 and lasted for three years. It started when Aboriginal pastoral workers in Western Australia’s Pilbara region refused to work until they were properly paid and provided with safe working conditions.

• Participation in industrial action is one way in which trade unions can affect the Australian workplace. Through this mechanism, they can be a crucial part of the Australian working environment.

Trade Unions or Unions

• Organizations formed to protect and represent the rights of employees in a particular industry. Therefore, they advocate for workers’ rights.

• Key roles of a trade union involve:

  • Negotiating and bargaining for better pay and working conditions for workers.

  • Arguing the employees’ case during worker disputes.

  • Providing help and support to individual workers.

  • Offering services and facilities to members such as credit unions and health insurance.

  • Acting as official spokesperson to the media on behalf of the union members.

Union Representation

• Each workplace will have a union representative who can provide advice, bargaining for better wages and conditions and united action.

• Employees who choose to join a union pay an annual subscription fee.

• It is not compulsory to join a union.

National Employment Standards (NES)

• The National Employment Standards (NES) are a set of minimum working conditions which must be provided to all national workplace system employees in Australia.

• Breaches in these conditions means that workers have the right to engage with their Union in fighting for improvements.

Research Task Questions

• For a full-time employee, what is the maximum number of hours an employee can work in a working week?

• Who can request flexible working arrangements? How are they different for casual workers?

• How much annual leave is a worker entitled to? Is this different to shift workers? Why is this the case?

• What is personal (sick) leave? When can you take it?

• What is compassionate leave? How much leave can be taken if they meet the criteria?

• What is Long Service Leave (LSL)? How much LSL is a Victorian worker entitled to? State one difference of LSL in Victoria than to one other state/territory in Australia.

• Define “redundancy.” When does a redundancy occur?

• What are the Fair Work Information Statement and the Casual Employment Information Statement? How are they the same? Different?

Employer Groups

• An organization of employers who unite to promote their common interests as well as to share, advice information and support for each other.

• Employer groups provide a range of member services including:

  • Represent employers (managers) in dispute cases;

  • Represent employers (managers) during bargaining negotiating over wages and workers’ conditions

  • Advise employers (managers) of rights and obligations.

  • Act as a spokesperson for employers

Employer Groups’ Responsibilities and Requirements

• From the smallest self-run business to the largest multinational company, all employers in Australia are subject to the same responsibilities and requirements. These include the provision of:

  • A safe workplace

  • Adequate financial compensation for work completed

  • Necessary and relevant education and training

  • Contributions to superannuation

  • Essential rights to employees (such as adequate breaks and supervision).

• A number of government organisations hold employers to these responsibilities. The most influential of these is the Fair Work Commission (FWC).

• There have been several versions of the FWC including Fair Work Australia and the Australian Industrial Relations Commission.

• The Fair Work Commission ensures that employees’ rights are protected and that employers comply with Australian employment law. It also acts as a tribunal for employees who feel their employers have failed in the discharge of their responsibilities.

Understanding the role of Trade Unions:

• Task word: Explain

• Task: Make the meaning of something clear/detailed and understandable.

• Content knowledge: Trade Union

• Need to explain a WHY in the response

• Points to make for 3 marks:

  1. Shows understanding of a union

  2. Identifies one role – i.e. advocating for workers' rights as a key responsibility.

  3. Provides an example of how a trade union protects workers from unfair treatment.