Question

Briefly explain the role of Trade Unions in the welfare of workers.

Explain the role of trade unions in the welfare of workers.

Answer 1

1. Protection: Trade unions safeguard workers against all sorts of exploitation by employers and political parties. They provide protection from unfair labour practices and management atrocities. A union also tries to revise workers' status in industry and society. Trade unions resist the retrenchment of their members and help ensure steady employment for workers. Unions serve as a check on employers' arbitrary actions.
2. Proper Standard of Living: Unions attempt to secure workers' fair wages, proper working conditions and welfare facilities like health, housing, recreation and social security so as to ensure desirable living standards for them. An individual worker is not in a position to secure fair wages and working conditions from the employer. He joins a union because unions have better bargaining power to get these economic benefits for workers.
3. Economic Security: Unions protect their members from various economic hazards, such as illness, accidental injuries, and unemployment. They secure compensation from employers. Unions also provide financial assistance to workers during distress.
4. Sense of Belonging: An ordinary worker has little sense of belonging in modern industry. By joining a union, he can associate with fellow workers and gain social respect. Trade unions generate a spirit of self-respect and self-reliance among workers. Unions serve as a medium through which workers can express their grievances and suggestions to employers. A trade union negotiates and bargains with the management to settle terms and conditions of employment. Trade unions work to gain the say of workers in the management of matters that directly influence the interests of workers. In this way, unions attempt to establish democracy in industry.
5. Education and Recreation: Many trade unions make arrangements for the education of workers and their family members. Unions make workers conscious of their rights and duties and aware of the need for technological changes. Some unions provide recreation, sports, and other welfare facilities for their members. Unions also support workers and their families during strikes and lockouts.