4.4 Elective Hrm 6: Industrial Relations & Collective Bargaining 1. Industrial Relations: Historical Background, Concept and Approaches in Ir – Stake Holders of Ir, Various Factors Influencing Ir, Hr Approach to Ir,

| A trade union is an organisation that employees can join, where their rights and interests are discussed and protected. A trade

Initially, the intent of labor unions was for employed workers to meet together and collectively agree on fundamental workplace objectives and goals. The rise of the union came about after the Civil War, in the United States- responding to the industrial economy boom. Following the war, labor unions finally reached public popularity within the 1930-1950’s, and then again began to slowly decrease, through the 1960’s and on to today’s times. Although, the popularity of labor unions has decreased, its importance remains to be evident with politics, journalism, auto, and the public education industries.

The document outlines the pros and cons of labor unions in America. The analysis takes into consideration how unions have improved the working environments for workers, and may continue to do so. The paper considers the power of unions for net social benefit, including the role they play in lobbying lawmakers, using collective bargaining to advocate for employees, and the prevention of abuse and discrimination. The cons of labor unions are also addressed. These drawbacks to labor unions include but are not limited to: decline in competitive advantage for American companies, corruption, potential decrease in productivity, possible reduction in employee motivation, and increased inefficiencies.

In 1820’s labor unions were organized by their specific trade and city and then later in 1834 the National Trades Union was created to form a single centralized unit. Labor unions helped create a stronger more stable working class with a better work environment. Unions helped create unity among

Trade unions can be very powerful organisations, however their power does not inevitably lead to increases in wage rates, but not always.

A trade union is an organisation which consists of members, including workers and union leaders who come together to protect and stimulate their common interests. The majority of trade unions are independent of the employer. However, trade unions do try to develop close relationships between employees and the employer. Sometimes, this may take the form of a partnership agreement between the trade union and the employer which points out their common interests and objectives. According to the South African Bill of Rights, anyone is free to join a trade union.

The labor union movement over the years has shaped the way individuals work and live for both the nicest and unpleasant. Some would think the unions influence has created a power struggle between management and union leaders. In today’s time, some citizens insist the existence of unions are a must to aid in employee freedom, while others view the labor unions as just another problem in the line of progress. The purpose of labor unions was for employed workers to come together and collectively agree on fundamental workplace objectives. The rise of the union came about after the Civil War- responding to the industrial economy. Surprisingly at the least unions became popular within the 1930-50’s and began to slowly decrease,

There are many of labor unions, which formed to represent peoples’ interests in the particular trade. Unions represent workers’ rights and interest. The main importance of unions includes they roles in promoting legislation, which affects employees pay levels, benefits, and working conditions. It’s an important force in the economy. Union activists negotiate contracts, handling disputes, and protect and represent union members. Many industries create own unions. For instance, healthcare, hospitality, airline, professional workers, and many other industries create unions to exercise their rights and get protection and representation against discrimination and unfair treatments. Craft Unions, or trade union, is an association of skilled workers. The members of the union are

According to another source which provided by Buchmueller, Di Nardo, and Valletta (2001) and Mishel et al. (2003) union premiums for health, retirement, and paid leave information are given and placed in the table.

This brief history of more than 100 years of the modern trade union movement in the United States can only touch the high spots of activity and identify the principal trends of a "century of achievement." In such a condensation of history, episodes of importance and of great human drama must necessarily be discussed far too briefly, or in some cases relegated to a mere mention.

Labor relations purpose is to minimize costly employee and organization conflicts and try to always find a "win-win" solution to issues that arise. Labor relations strategies, negotiating contracts and administering contracts are the three levels of decision that are involved within labor relations.

Labor Unions have become an important factor in our industries. For many years, labor unions have served as the main voice of the workers to their employers. The continuous effort of labor unions in helping the laborers ensure their rights in their jobs, acquire all the benefits they need and to eliminate the injustice experienced by workers in their workplace is still an ongoing process. In order to understand labor unions in general, knowing the roots of it is the best way to start. In this paper, the progress of the labor unions throughout history, the issues faced the developments it achieved, laws passed and the problem faced by today’s unions will be tackled.

The relationship between unions and organization is a touchy one. Dating back to the start of unionization in the 19th century, the two bodies have held opposing viewpoints. Unionization was formed from the opinion that organizations took advantage of workers and some form of a negotiating agreement was needed. There were documented events of workers working long taxing hours for insignificant pay; no healthcare coverage; dangerous working conditions; and gender and or racial discrimination. Companies believed that unionization caused less productivity which endangered profits. Companies also believed that unions interfere in daily processes, and limits the employer’s say over compensation and benefits. The

A trade union is defined by Smith (2008) as an independent self-regulating organization of workers created to protect and advance the interests of its members through collective action. Trade unions were of course very important once upon a time, but their job has been done. The age of mass production is over. The new world is all about individual relationships, and unions will wither away. “A glorious past perhaps, but no real future” says Jacob (2008).

For several years white settlers were able to sabotage all efforts of permiting the growth of trade unions.The colonial government attitude towards thetrade unions in kenya was for sometime very hostile because of the belief that trade union activities meant violence,rioting and communism.Until 1955,the kenya government was fighting against the building of a trade union and only in that year did it declare(following justice windham’s recommendations)that it was its policy to help build the movements.