Question

Explain the nature of trade unions.

Describe any three features of trade union.

Answer 1

1. Association: A trade union is an association or combination of employees. It has a large number of workers from one or more occupations.
2. Voluntary: Membership in a trade union is voluntary. Generally, there is no legal or other pressure to join a trade union, and a person can join or leave the union of his or her own volition.
3. Permanent: A trade union is a continuing or permanent rather than a temporary or casual combination. It has to be a long-term body, as otherwise it cannot achieve its objectives.
4. Community of Interests: Members of a trade union have common interests and problems, which motivates them to unite. A union seeks to regulate relations between employers and workers.
5. Collective Action: Trade unions always act through the united action of members to protect and promote their economic and other interests.
6. Sub-system: A trade union is a sub-system of the social system. Therefore, its character undergoes change with changes in the economic, social, legal and political conditions in the country. A union functions collectively to protect and promote the interests of its members within a given socio-economic system together in a body.