Trade Unions

By Benjamin Baker

Whether or not you must join a trade union when you begin working is a very important decision. It's something that should be ,at all times, taken seriously. Oftentimes, though, people feel like they're in a tug of war between their bosses and the trade unions. Employers are generally mistrustful of those who are members of unions, for fear of some barrister coming to knock at their doors because to some obscure clause in the labor code.

Trade Unions, on the other hand, are often out to improve their roster of members. Trade Unions give a whole new meaning to the term "there is power in numbers". This becomes a dilemma for the employee, making them puzzled as to what decision to make. If you encounter this problem and you'd like to come up with a solution, do take note of these things first.

About Coercion

First of all, know this: nobody can force you into doing something that you do not like to do. This goes for employers as well as unions. If you do not want to join a union, then you don't have to. Trade unions often charge a fee called a union subscription to their members, so if you'd like to avoid this, then you always have that option. Likewise, if you do decide to join a trade union, then your employer has no decision in it. Furthermore, you can choose whichever trade union you want. You do not have to be bound to those unions that your employer recommends.

Should a problem ever crop up in relation with your decision to join or not to join a trade union, then you have the privilege to report your employer to the employment tribunal. An employee cannot and must not be treated unjustly in order to sway him or her to follow the employer's demands. And, if you happened to join a union and take part in its activities which were damaging to the company's reputation, you must not be held accountable and must not be treated unjustly because of it.

Trade Unions and Employment

Some employers only hire those employees who are part of certain unions. But this is unlawful. They should not use a person's choice of trade union interfere with his chances of employment. And should this happen, then the employer can be reported to the employment tribunal as a result. Also, job requirements centering on a person's involvement or non-involvement with a trade union are not allowed to be placed in any job advertisement. - 29942

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