Living in a Democracy Trade Unions. What are trade unions? Trade unions are organisations that represent people at work. Their purpose is to protect and

Living in a Living in a DemocracyDemocracy

Trade UnionsTrade Unions

What are trade unions?What are trade unions?

TTrade unions are organisations that rade unions are organisations that representrepresent people at work. Their purpose is to protect and people at work. Their purpose is to protect and improve people's pay and conditions of improve people's pay and conditions of employment. They also campaign for laws and employment. They also campaign for laws and policies which will benefit working people. policies which will benefit working people.

Trade unions exist because an individual Trade unions exist because an individual worker has very little power to influence worker has very little power to influence decisions that are made about his or her job. decisions that are made about his or her job. By joining together with other workers, there is By joining together with other workers, there is more chance of having a voice and influence. more chance of having a voice and influence.

What types of trade union are What types of trade union are there?there?

Craft UnionsCraft Unions are the oldest are the oldest type of union. Workers with type of union. Workers with common skills often joined common skills often joined together to form unions. together to form unions. Examples are the Examples are the Musicians Musicians UnionUnion and the and the National Union National Union of Journalistsof Journalists. .

National Union of JournalistsNational Union of Journalists Musicians Union Musicians Union


Industrial UnionsIndustrial Unions are are formed by unions of a formed by unions of a particular industry, such particular industry, such as coalminers, railway as coalminers, railway workers or gas workers workers or gas workers Examples are Examples are National National Union of MineworkersUnion of Mineworkers and the and the Union of Union of Construction, Allied Construction, Allied Trades and TechniciansTrades and Technicians

The National Union of MiThe National Union of Mineworkersneworkers

UCATTUCATT


General UnionsGeneral Unions are are made up of workers made up of workers with a wide range of with a wide range of skills from different skills from different occupations. occupations.

Examples are Examples are UNISONUNISON and and UNITEUNITE – a merger of – a merger of T & GT & G and and AMICUS AMICUS in in 20072007..

UNISON ScotlandUNISON Scotland T & GT & G UNITEUNITE

Reasons for joining a trade Reasons for joining a trade unionunion

Helping you with problems at Helping you with problems at workwork You get advice when you have a You get advice when you have a

problem at work. For example, if you problem at work. For example, if you were asked to do a job you were not were asked to do a job you were not properly trained for, the union could properly trained for, the union could stand up for you.stand up for you.


Representing you in Representing you in discussionsdiscussions Trade unions Trade unions

represent you and represent you and other members in other members in discussions with discussions with employers. employers. Discussions can be Discussions can be about any aspect about any aspect of your work or of your work or your workplace.your workplace.


Improving your working Improving your working conditionsconditions The union helps to The union helps to

improve your improve your wages and working wages and working conditions by conditions by negotiating with negotiating with employers. When employers. When employers and employers and unions get together unions get together to discuss a wage to discuss a wage claim it is called claim it is called collective collective bargainingbargaining..


Enforcing rights at workEnforcing rights at work The union makes The union makes

sure your rights are sure your rights are enforced at work. enforced at work. All employees have All employees have rights concerning rights concerning things like things like health health and safetyand safety..


Providing you with legal helpProviding you with legal help A trade union will A trade union will

provide support for provide support for you in a dispute with you in a dispute with your employer. You your employer. You can be represented by can be represented by your union in any your union in any meeting with your meeting with your employer or at an employer or at an Industrial Tribunal. Industrial Tribunal. You can also get help You can also get help with with legal advicelegal advice and and costscosts..


Fighting for equalityFighting for equality Your union will Your union will

fight fight discriminationdiscrimination and promote and promote equal equal rightsrights at work for at work for women, ethnic women, ethnic minorities and the minorities and the disabled.disabled.


Providing you with servicesProviding you with services The union provides The union provides

services for you services for you such as welfare such as welfare benefits, legal help, benefits, legal help, financial advice financial advice and services, and services, cheaper insurance, cheaper insurance, discounts, etc.discounts, etc.

Why people join trade unionsWhy people join trade unionsSurvey ResultsSurvey Results

The table below shows the results of a survey The table below shows the results of a survey which looked at the reasons why people joined which looked at the reasons why people joined trade unions and why they remained members.trade unions and why they remained members.

REASONREASON New Members%New Members% Members %Members %

Support with a problem at Support with a problem at workwork

81.581.5 65.965.9

Improved pay and conditionsImproved pay and conditions 42.042.0 39.639.6

Most people at work are Most people at work are membersmembers

15.415.4 32.532.5

I believe in trade unionsI believe in trade unions 18.218.2 37.537.5

Industrial benefits/servicesIndustrial benefits/services 7.47.4 9.19.1

Financial servicesFinancial services 3.53.5 2.52.5

OtherOther 6.86.8 5.35.3

Reasons for Reasons for notnot joining a trade joining a trade unionunion

If you are a If you are a well-paid workerwell-paid worker, you , you may not see the need to join a union.may not see the need to join a union.

If you are a If you are a low-paid workerlow-paid worker, you , you may not be able to afford the union may not be able to afford the union subscriptions. subscriptions.

If you work for an If you work for an employer who does employer who does not recognise unionsnot recognise unions, you may not be , you may not be able to join one.able to join one.


If you are If you are self-employedself-employed, running , running your own business, you have no your own business, you have no reason to join a union.reason to join a union.

If you are working for a If you are working for a small family small family businessbusiness, you may not feel the need , you may not feel the need to join a union.to join a union.

You may be working in an industry You may be working in an industry which has which has no organised unionsno organised unions..


You may not support the idea of trade You may not support the idea of trade unions at all and may disagree with unions at all and may disagree with their methods. You may be against their methods. You may be against taking strike action. You have the right taking strike action. You have the right not to joinnot to join as well to join a trade union. as well to join a trade union.

You may be aware that non-members You may be aware that non-members get the get the same benefitssame benefits of pay rises and of pay rises and better working conditions as members, better working conditions as members, without having to pay membership without having to pay membership fees.fees.

Trade Union Membership Trade Union Membership 1995-20041995-2004

Trade Union MembershipTrade Union MembershipAge and Gender 2004Age and Gender 2004

Trade Union MembershipTrade Union MembershipEthnicity Ethnicity

Membership of selected Trade Membership of selected Trade Unions 2004Unions 2004

UnionUnion M/ShipM/Ship MaleMale FemaleFemale

UNISONUNISON 1,301,001,301,0000

343,983343,983 957,017957,017

AMICUSAMICUS 1,179,851,179,8500

918,305918,305 261,545261,545

T&GWUT&GWU 820,118820,118 649,065649,065 171,053171,053

GMBGMB 600,106600,106 358,781358,781 241,325241,325General Union of Loom General Union of Loom OverlookersOverlookers 256256 N/AN/A N/AN/A

Card Setting Machine Card Setting Machine Tenters SocietyTenters Society 8888 N/AN/A N/AN/A

Sheffield Wool Shear Sheffield Wool Shear Workers UnionWorkers Union 1111 N/AN/A N/AN/A

Trade Union ActionTrade Union Action

Overtime BanOvertime Ban

Many employers depend on Many employers depend on their workers doing extra their workers doing extra work every week. If the work every week. If the workers refuse to work longer workers refuse to work longer than the basic hours then the than the basic hours then the employer might lose profits.employer might lose profits.

Trade Union ActionTrade Union ActionOvertime BanOvertime Ban

Dec 15 2003 Dec 15 2003 Land Rover Land Rover overtime banovertime ban called called Workers at Land Rover are to Workers at Land Rover are to ban overtimeban overtime as as part of industrial action in a dispute over pay, it part of industrial action in a dispute over pay, it was announced today.Union members will also was announced today.Union members will also withdraw flexible working time arrangements in withdraw flexible working time arrangements in the New Year unless the row is resolved. But the New Year unless the row is resolved. But union leaders pulled back from calling workers at union leaders pulled back from calling workers at the company's plant in Solihull out on strike even the company's plant in Solihull out on strike even though they voted in favour of stoppages. though they voted in favour of stoppages.

Amicus national officer, Duncan Simpson, said: Amicus national officer, Duncan Simpson, said: "The fact that the trade unions have not "The fact that the trade unions have not implemented an all-out strike demonstrates our implemented an all-out strike demonstrates our willingness to talk to resolve the issue. We would willingness to talk to resolve the issue. We would now call upon the company to make a similar now call upon the company to make a similar positive response."positive response."

Unions are pressing for an increase in an offer Unions are pressing for an increase in an offer of 6.5% over two years and said they want parity of 6.5% over two years and said they want parity with employees at Jaguar. Both firms are owned with employees at Jaguar. Both firms are owned by Ford.by Ford.

The The overtime banovertime ban will start next Monday and will start next Monday and union leaders will meet in the New Year to union leaders will meet in the New Year to consider their next move.consider their next move.


Work-to-ruleWork-to-rule

The workers stick to each The workers stick to each petty rule thus slowing down petty rule thus slowing down production. For example, bin production. For example, bin men could lift one bin bag at men could lift one bin bag at a time rather than picking up a time rather than picking up several.several.

Trade Union ActionTrade Union ActionWork-to-ruleWork-to-rule

Monday, 2 September, 2002Monday, 2 September, 2002

Firefighters Firefighters work to rulework to rule

Crews at some Scottish fire stations have begun Crews at some Scottish fire stations have begun answering emergency calls only in their dispute over answering emergency calls only in their dispute over pay, according to union officials. The action began as pay, according to union officials. The action began as last-ditch pay talks aimed at averting industrial action last-ditch pay talks aimed at averting industrial action by firefighters across the UK broke down. by firefighters across the UK broke down.

Tam Tierney, Scottish secretary of the Fire Brigades Tam Tierney, Scottish secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, said the action started in the Strathclyde area Union, said the action started in the Strathclyde area on Monday morning. on Monday morning.

Mr Tierney said he believed the unofficial action had Mr Tierney said he believed the unofficial action had also spread to a number of English cities. also spread to a number of English cities.

Duties such as routine inspections and equipment Duties such as routine inspections and equipment checks were likely to be affected. checks were likely to be affected.

Firefighters have been offered a 4% pay rise and the Firefighters have been offered a 4% pay rise and the chance of an independent inquiry to examine wages chance of an independent inquiry to examine wages and conditions in the service. and conditions in the service.

The union has demanded a 40% increase to take a The union has demanded a 40% increase to take a qualified firefighter's salary from £21,500 to £30,000. qualified firefighter's salary from £21,500 to £30,000.

A spokesman for Grampian Fire Brigade said 78 A spokesman for Grampian Fire Brigade said 78 operational staff, as well as union members among the operational staff, as well as union members among the support staff, had begun support staff, had begun working toworking to rulerule. .


Go SlowGo Slow

Workers deliberately slow Workers deliberately slow down their work rate. The down their work rate. The driver of a bin lorry could driver of a bin lorry could travel to and from the depot travel to and from the depot at 20 mph rather than 30 at 20 mph rather than 30 mph.mph.

Trade Union ActionTrade Union ActionGo SlowGo Slow

Friday, 16 September 2005Friday, 16 September 2005

Fuel protesters complete Fuel protesters complete go-slowgo-slow

A convoy of 60 fuel price protesters' vehicles has A convoy of 60 fuel price protesters' vehicles has completed its crawl along the M4 in south Wales as completed its crawl along the M4 in south Wales as petrol retailers engage in a price war.petrol retailers engage in a price war. Protesters Protesters agreed to drive at 50mph after their leader was agreed to drive at 50mph after their leader was arrested then "de-arrested" for allegedly refusing to arrested then "de-arrested" for allegedly refusing to move from the second lane, police said. move from the second lane, police said.

Following the two-way Following the two-way go-slow go-slow between between Carmarthenshire and Newport, organisers decided Carmarthenshire and Newport, organisers decided not to blockade oil refineries. Convoy leader Mike not to blockade oil refineries. Convoy leader Mike Greene, of the Welsh Hauliers and Public Less Tax on Greene, of the Welsh Hauliers and Public Less Tax on Fuel Campaign, said protesters had decided against a Fuel Campaign, said protesters had decided against a refinery blockade on Friday because they believed refinery blockade on Friday because they believed they had got their message across. they had got their message across.

BP said later that reductions would be likely at its BP said later that reductions would be likely at its 400 company-owned stations over the weekend, 400 company-owned stations over the weekend, though it could not specify how big they would be. though it could not specify how big they would be. The convoy concluded its return journey to Cross The convoy concluded its return journey to Cross Hands, near Llanelli, at around 1830 BST, with Hands, near Llanelli, at around 1830 BST, with vehicles travelling at about 30mph, Mr Greene said. vehicles travelling at about 30mph, Mr Greene said.

He said 50 to 60 vehicles were involved in the He said 50 to 60 vehicles were involved in the protest, but police said the number was changing all protest, but police said the number was changing all the time. the time.

Police had also used the Public Order Act on Friday Police had also used the Public Order Act on Friday morning to instruct drivers not to drop their speed morning to instruct drivers not to drop their speed below 40mph and to drive only on the inside lane, below 40mph and to drive only on the inside lane, warning those flouting the conditions would be warning those flouting the conditions would be prosecuted. prosecuted.


StrikeStrike A trade union can call its members A trade union can call its members

out on an official strike. They may out on an official strike. They may choose to call a one-day strike to choose to call a one-day strike to show the employers how serious they show the employers how serious they are. Workers do not get paid by their are. Workers do not get paid by their employer while out on strike, but employer while out on strike, but usually the trade union gives them usually the trade union gives them some strike pay.some strike pay.

Trade Union ActionTrade Union ActionStrikeStrike

Thursday, 13 October 2005Thursday, 13 October 2005 Bus drivers agree new pay packageBus drivers agree new pay package

Strike actionStrike action by First bus drivers in central and east by First bus drivers in central and east Scotland has endedScotland has ended after staff accepted an improved after staff accepted an improved pay deal, union bosses have said.pay deal, union bosses have said. Up to 800 drivers Up to 800 drivers staged a series of one and two-day walkouts last month. staged a series of one and two-day walkouts last month.

Last week, drivers in the central region agreed to Last week, drivers in the central region agreed to accept the package of £8 an hour, backdated to 3 accept the package of £8 an hour, backdated to 3 October this year, rising to £8.25 on 11 December. October this year, rising to £8.25 on 11 December.

Drivers in Edinburgh and the Lothians threw out the Drivers in Edinburgh and the Lothians threw out the offer, but have now voted to accept a repackaged deal. offer, but have now voted to accept a repackaged deal. This would see them get an hourly rate of £8 from the This would see them get an hourly rate of £8 from the end of October, going up to £8.25 in November. They end of October, going up to £8.25 in November. They are currently paid £7.40 an hour. are currently paid £7.40 an hour.

Two thirds of those balloted backed the offer, which Two thirds of those balloted backed the offer, which had been recommended by the union. had been recommended by the union.

A T&G spokesman said: "This dispute is now over A T&G spokesman said: "This dispute is now over and bus services will return to normal. and bus services will return to normal.

"The final offer does represent a significant "The final offer does represent a significant improvement and was the best we felt was available in improvement and was the best we felt was available in the circumstances." the circumstances."

First operations director Juliette Turner said the First operations director Juliette Turner said the company was pleased that drivers had voted in favour company was pleased that drivers had voted in favour of the proposal. of the proposal.

"On behalf of First, I would like to apologise to our "On behalf of First, I would like to apologise to our customers for the industrial action over recent weeks," customers for the industrial action over recent weeks," she added. she added.


Official and Unofficial StrikesOfficial and Unofficial Strikes By law, By law, official strikesofficial strikes can only go ahead after a can only go ahead after a

secret ballotsecret ballot of the members and if the employer of the members and if the employer is given several weeks’ notice. If the trade union is given several weeks’ notice. If the trade union fails to do this the employer can sue the union.fails to do this the employer can sue the union.

Unofficial strikesUnofficial strikes, without union backing, are , without union backing, are illegal. Workers face the sack if they strike in this illegal. Workers face the sack if they strike in this way. It is also illegal to take strike action to help way. It is also illegal to take strike action to help workers in other workplaces. For example, workers in other workplaces. For example, teachers cannot hold a sympathy strike in teachers cannot hold a sympathy strike in support of nurses.support of nurses.

Trade Union ActionTrade Union ActionUnofficial StrikeUnofficial Strike

Thursday, 18 August 2005Thursday, 18 August 2005

Don't victimise strikers, BA toldDon't victimise strikers, BA told

A union has warned British Airways not to victimise staff who took part in an A union has warned British Airways not to victimise staff who took part in an unofficial strikeunofficial strike last last week.week. The Transport & General Workers' Union (T&G) warned it would support "legal industrial The Transport & General Workers' Union (T&G) warned it would support "legal industrial action" in a row over job cuts at catering firm Gate Gourmet. action" in a row over job cuts at catering firm Gate Gourmet.

BA is investigating whether ground staff were bullied into taking part in the BA is investigating whether ground staff were bullied into taking part in the unofficial strikeunofficial strike in in support of 670 workers sacked by the caterer. support of 670 workers sacked by the caterer.

BA also said it will not pay staff who walked out as they had broken the law. BA also said it will not pay staff who walked out as they had broken the law. BBC labour affairs correspondent Stephen Cape says workers who are found to have breached BBC labour affairs correspondent Stephen Cape says workers who are found to have breached

the airline's policies could now face a warning or dismissal. the airline's policies could now face a warning or dismissal. The airline has also launched a confidential hotline for staff to report any concerns. The airline has also launched a confidential hotline for staff to report any concerns.


Picket LinesPicket Lines Striking workers can stand outside Striking workers can stand outside

their workplace with banners and their workplace with banners and leaflets and try to persuade other leaflets and try to persuade other non-striking workers to support non-striking workers to support them. However, their numbers are them. However, their numbers are strictly controlled as is the way they strictly controlled as is the way they must behave.must behave.

Trade Union ActionTrade Union ActionPicket LinesPicket Lines

Wednesday, 19 February, 2003Wednesday, 19 February, 2003

Council staff in angry demonstrationsCouncil staff in angry demonstrations

Councillors had to brave the Councillors had to brave the picketspickets as they as they arrived for their meeting. Striking council staff arrived for their meeting. Striking council staff have taken part in angry demonstrations have taken part in angry demonstrations outside the civic centre in Southampton. outside the civic centre in Southampton.

Two thousand members of the public sector Two thousand members of the public sector union, Unison, went on strike on Wednesday, to union, Unison, went on strike on Wednesday, to protest against council plans to cut 120 jobs in protest against council plans to cut 120 jobs in the city. the city.

Picketing the city centre council offices, they Picketing the city centre council offices, they made their anger clear to councillors arriving for made their anger clear to councillors arriving for a crucial budget meeting. a crucial budget meeting.

The basic problem we have is that the The basic problem we have is that the government have taken the decision to divert government have taken the decision to divert resources from councils in the South. resources from councils in the South. Councillor Stephen Barnes-Andrews The Councillor Stephen Barnes-Andrews The Labour council says the budget is under strain Labour council says the budget is under strain because of central government's decision to cut because of central government's decision to cut their grant by £7m. their grant by £7m.

No graves were dug, libraries and housing No graves were dug, libraries and housing offices were closed, while social services were offices were closed, while social services were severely disrupted. severely disrupted.

Trade UnionsTrade UnionsThe Work of a Shop StewardThe Work of a Shop Steward

A shop steward is one A shop steward is one of the most important of the most important people in a trade union.people in a trade union.

A shop steward is A shop steward is sometimes called a sometimes called a union representative.union representative.

A shop steward is A shop steward is elected by the elected by the members at their work-members at their work-place to represent place to represent them in the day-to-day them in the day-to-day running of the union.running of the union.


Representing Members – problems at Representing Members – problems at workwork

When union members have a problem at work, it is the When union members have a problem at work, it is the shop steward they turn to. shop steward they turn to.

The shop steward can then raise the matter with The shop steward can then raise the matter with management, or consult other union officials with more management, or consult other union officials with more knowledge of the problem.knowledge of the problem.

The shop steward can accompany a member when being The shop steward can accompany a member when being interviewed by management.interviewed by management.

If a worker faces a disciplinary hearing, or wishes to take If a worker faces a disciplinary hearing, or wishes to take out a grievance against the management, the shop steward out a grievance against the management, the shop steward will give advice and may attend the hearing.will give advice and may attend the hearing.

The most common problems that shop stewards are asked The most common problems that shop stewards are asked about are about are pay, working conditions, health and safety, pay, working conditions, health and safety, overtime, holiday entitlementsovertime, holiday entitlements..


Recruiting New MembersRecruiting New Members Shop stewards are responsible for encouraging non-Shop stewards are responsible for encouraging non-

members to join a union.members to join a union. Shop stewards will put up Shop stewards will put up postersposters outlining the outlining the

benefits of union membership and distribute benefits of union membership and distribute leaflets.leaflets.

When new workers are employed, the shop steward When new workers are employed, the shop steward may meet them and try to persuade them to join may meet them and try to persuade them to join the union.the union.

The shop steward will provide The shop steward will provide information packsinformation packs to to new members and arrange for new members and arrange for subscriptionssubscriptions to be to be collected or paid by direct debit through the collected or paid by direct debit through the members’ bank accounts.members’ bank accounts.


Informing Informing MembersMembers

The shop steward acts as a link The shop steward acts as a link between union headquarters and the between union headquarters and the individual members.individual members.

All mail from headquarters will go to All mail from headquarters will go to the shop steward, who will make the the shop steward, who will make the information available to members.information available to members.

It is the responsibility of the shop It is the responsibility of the shop steward to distribute official union steward to distribute official union magazinesmagazines or or newslettersnewsletters and to and to display important information on display important information on union union noticenotice boardsboards for members to for members to read.read.

The shop steward will attend union The shop steward will attend union branch meetings and pass on branch meetings and pass on information at workplace meetings.information at workplace meetings.


Supporting Shop StewardsSupporting Shop Stewards Many employers realise the importance of a good Many employers realise the importance of a good

shop steward.shop steward. Shop stewards can help solve small problems Shop stewards can help solve small problems

before they become major ones.before they become major ones. Many employers give shop stewards time off work Many employers give shop stewards time off work

to do their shop steward duties, such as attending to do their shop steward duties, such as attending union meetings. union meetings.

Employers may also allow them paid time off Employers may also allow them paid time off work to attend courses run by the union to work to attend courses run by the union to improve their skills.improve their skills.

Trade UnionsTrade UnionsParticipation in a Trade UnionParticipation in a Trade Union

Paying Union FeesPaying Union Fees Some workers pay by direct debit through Some workers pay by direct debit through

their bank. Many workers still pay their their bank. Many workers still pay their fees to the shop steward on pay dayfees to the shop steward on pay day..


Attending Attending MeetingsMeetings

Members can Members can go along to go along to meetings called meetings called by the shop by the shop steward and to steward and to branch branch meetings meetings where many where many decisions are decisions are made.made.


Electing officialsElecting officials Union members can Union members can

vote to elect shop vote to elect shop stewards and other stewards and other union officials. union officials. These are often These are often postal elections, postal elections, although many although many members often do members often do not bother to post not bother to post the letter with their the letter with their vote.vote.


Standing for electionStanding for election

Members can stand Members can stand for the post of shop for the post of shop steward or health steward or health and safety and safety representative.representative.

They could go along They could go along to regional meetings to regional meetings and become an and become an elected official there.elected official there.

Doru Athinodoru, GMB steward/safety representative.


Supporting decisionsSupporting decisions

When a union has When a union has arrived at a decision, arrived at a decision, each member is each member is expected to support expected to support that decision even if that decision even if they voted against they voted against it. If all members act it. If all members act together the union together the union will be stronger.will be stronger.

This could include This could include taking part in taking part in industrial action.industrial action.

Documents

Living in a Democracy Trade Unions. What are trade unions? Trade unions are organisations that represent people at work. Their purpose is to protect and