The Importance of a Trade Union of today’s society
Although there is no agreed definition of trade unions, the term is used to describe a group or an organisation of workers coming together to have their goals and interests well represented. For instance, in order to protect themselves from low wages, exploitation, and poor working conditions, workers form trade unions that represent their views, requirements, and demands to the management of organisations (McCarthy, 2014). During the 18th century, semi-skilled and unskilled labourers organised themselves in form of groups to have their interests and rights as workers protected (UNISON, 2010). The purpose of this paper is to discuss the importance of trade unions in today’s society, with regard to the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (U.S). In both the UK and the U.S, trade unions are of significant importance as they protect the interests of workers and promote collective bargaining.
In the UK, seven million people belong to trade unions, while in the U.S; there are 14.5 million members (Economist, 2015). Although there has been a decline in the number of trade unions and members, they still matter in today’s society. For example, in the retail industry, trade unions have ensured that the minimum wage is raised, sick leave is paid to employees, and base compensation for organisations such as Wal-Mart is increased (Rosenfeld, 2015). In both UK and U.S trade unions have ensured that members have higher wages compared to the non-unionised members. In case of legal matters, trade unions act as representatives in courts. Moreover, workers’ rights are better protected, and consequently, they cannot be removed from work unjustly. Given the level of competition in today’s economy, trade unions through collective bargaining reduce labour turnover rates by helping both employees and employer (UNISON, 2015). In addition, trade unions are important because they protect migrant workers and reduce exploitation.
In today’s society, trade unions play an important role in shaping politics. For instance, in the UK, trade unions have close ties with the ruling party, Labour Party, and they influence voting. Trade Unions in the UK are affiliated members of the Labour Party, although in the U.S trade unions have no established role although they play a major role in the Democratic Party (Devine, 2012). For instance, in the U.S, trade unions were responsible for Obama’s win as well as financial contributions towards the Presidential campaign (Devine, 2012). The unions have been responsible for the realisation of universal care.
In conclusion, a trade union are important in today’s society (the UK and the U.S) as the provide assistance to their members by protecting their rights and interests. In addition, trade unions are important as they collectively bargain for better pay as well as working conditions for member workers, and work to improve equality in the workplace. Although trade unions have to some extent declined in both UK and the U.S, they continue to play an integral part by ensuring a minimum wage and reducing the exploitation of migrant workers. Other than protecting employees and employers, trade unions play a major role in the politics of both the U.S and the UK.
References List
Devine, C. (2012). How effective are Trade Unions in Leveraging Political Relationships for Industrial Aims? [Online]
Economist. (2015) Why Trade Unions Are Declining. Economist, pp. 1.
McCarthy, T (2016). An Abridged History of the Trades and Labour Movement. Brighton. University Brighton.
Rosenfeld, J. (2015). The Rise and Fall Of US Labour Unions, and Why They Still Matter. [Online]
UNISON. (2010). The Relevance of the Trade Union Movement Today [Online]
UNISON. (2015). About Trade Unions [Online]
