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When you have completed this section, you wIll be able to do an analysis of the role, rights and responsibilities of trade unions.
Members of a trade union who are employed at the same workplace or live in the same environment form a local branch of the trade union. Each branch elects a trade union representative who acts as spokesperson. The member who is elected to the position is known as the representative or shop steward. Members of large trade unions also elect regional representatives and a national management committee – a committee that acts on behalf of its members. The national management committee is usually elected at an annual conference of the trade union at which delegates from all the regional branches are present.
Trade unions are directed towards protecting the rights of the employees. Problems may occur from time to time in any working environment. When this happens, the employee needs someone to protect his interests or present his case. Trade unions provide their members with legal advice, as well as someone who can present the member’s case, act on behalf of all employees and has the support of the national committee.
Trade union organisations are divided into four types:
Activity 1
TRADE UNIONS
List FIVE advantages and FIVE disadvantages associated with trade unions. Discuss each of the advantages and disadvantages in detail. Do you think there is any benefit in belonging to a trade union? Would you consider becoming a member of a trade union when you start working? Each group must present its points of view to the class.
Activity 2
TRADE UNIONS
A friend of yours is about to start a new job. He cannot decide whether to join a trade union or not.
Write him a letter and explain your point of view on the matter.
A3 POSTER AND 2 TYPED PAGES
Select any trade union and find out all you can about it, e.g. how well they are organised; whether they support a particular political party; if so, in what way; whether they have been involved in marches or strikes, and when. Present some of the information on a poster, and then on two A4 pages (typed.)
NOTE: also use newspaper articles for your poster.
Learning Outcomes (LOs)
LO 1
the economic cycle
The learner will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the economic cycle within the context of ‘the economic problem’.
Assessement Standards(ASs)
This is evident when the learner:
describes the historical development of money and its role in societies and their economies;
discusses how trade (import and export) addresses the economic problem (choice and opportunity cost), as well as the role of banks in investing in the economy;
explains how different economic systems address the economic problem (e.g. planned, market and mixed economies);
discusses the role, rights and responsibilities of trade unions;
discusses the role, rights and responsibilities of trade unions;
ACTIVITY 1: Trade unions
Evaluate initiative and ingenuity regarding advantages and disadvantages.
ACTIVITY2: Trade unions
Evaluate points of view as stated in the letter.
A3 POSTER AND 2 TYPED PAGES
Evaluate the research, presentation and opinions as presented.
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