(a) What is a trade union?
(b) Describe any four functions of trade unions.
(c) Outline any two weapons used by trade unions to achieve their objectives.
Explanation
(a) A trade union is an organized body of employees set up to negotiate with their employers for better working conditions for its members.
(b)(i) To negotiate for improvement in the conditions of service of their members.
(ii) They educate their members on civil and political opportunities.
(iii) They organize workers to participate actively in issues/matters that affect them.
(iv) They organize workers into an effective functional group.
(v) They offer social services to their members.
(vi) They encourage firms to increase worker participation in business decision making.
(vii)They engage in training and retraining of members through conduct of seminars and workshops to improve their skills.
(c)(i) Collective bargaining - negotiation of pay and conditions of service e.t.c. between workers' representatives and employers.
(ii) Work to rule/Go-slow-working slowly to reduce production so as to force employers to listen to the demand of workers.
(iii) Threat of strike - this is giving employers notice of intention to embark on a strike action.
(iv) Strike - this is stoppage of work by employees to back their demands.
(v) Picketing - in this case representatives of the union prevents other workers from gaining access to the work place.
(vi) Demonstrations/ protests - this involves workers carrying placards singing and shouting to get the attention of management to address their concerns.