LABOUR UNIONS Meaning and
Definition
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Labour unions, also known as trade unions, are organizations formed by workers to protect their rights and advance their interests in relation to their employers. Labour unions play a vital role in advocating for fair and equitable treatment of workers in the workplace, as well as championing improved working conditions, wages, benefits, and overall job security.
Functioning as collective entities, labour unions negotiate with the management of a company or organization to establish collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) that outline the terms and conditions of employment. These agreements typically cover areas such as wages, working hours, benefits, rest periods, employee safety, and resolving disputes. Additionally, labour unions may also provide legal assistance and representation to individual members in cases of disciplinary action or conflicts with their employers.
Through their collective bargaining power, labour unions strive to achieve better standards of living for workers and work towards preventing exploitation by employers. They often engage in workplace advocacy campaigns, organizing strikes, protests, and other forms of collective action to pressure employers into addressing workers' demands. Nonetheless, labour unions also contribute positively to the overall economy by promoting increased product productivity, contributing to social stability, and fostering harmonious industrial relations.
Labour unions have existed for centuries and have played pivotal roles in achieving significant advancements in workers' rights and benefits worldwide. Their continued presence and advocacy remain crucial in addressing issues related to income inequality, job insecurity, worker exploitation, and ensuring fair treatment in the workplace.
Etymology of LABOUR UNIONS
The word "labour unions" has its etymology rooted in the Middle English language. The term "labour" is derived from the Old French word "labour" or "labourer", which originally came from the Latin word "labor" meaning "work" or "toil". The plural form "labours" was commonly used to refer to the collective efforts of workers in various industries.
The word "union" originated from the Latin word "unio", which means "unity" or "together". In the context of labour unions, it refers to the act of workers coming together to form an organized group to represent their rights and interests.
The combination of these two terms, "labour" and "union", thus represents the collective efforts of workers and their unity in forming organized groups to advocate for their rights, better working conditions, and fair treatment in the employment sector.
