What is a Trade Union?

• A trade union is an organised group of workers. Its main goal is to protect and advance the interests of its members.

• Trade unions aim to represent the interests of people at work and negotiate with employers for better terms and conditions for their members

Different Unions

• Unions may organise a particular section of skilled workers (craft unionism),

• a cross-section of workers from various trades (general unionism),

• Or attempt to organise all workers within a particular industry (industrial unionism).

Position of Workers in 1880s

• Skilled workers were treated better than unskilled workers

• Why?

• Skilled workers are not as easy to replace compared to unskilled workers.

Working conditions for unskilled workers

• Long Hours

• Very Low Pay

• Terrible working conditions

• Dangerous work

Why did Unskilled workers not start Unions?

• Unemployment

• Easily replaced

• Little chance of winning an industrial battle

What can a Union do?

• Collective Bargaining– they may negotiate with employers over

wages and working conditions.

• Industrial Action– Picketing– Strikes– Overtime ban– Go Slow