The Pros And Cons Of Trade Unions

By Tameka Ware


The birth of socialist movement brought about by the ideologies of Karl Marx has spawned many movements which answer the call of the proletariat across the globe. Not all of them are really involved with communist or socialist movement. Some are alternatives to movements by the proletariat offered by the leftist movement. What unites all of these unions is the concern for the condition of the working class. Such is the call for unions Australia.

These groups have been subjected to much heated arguments lately. It could be stated that they have given the gift of equality and power to workers. However, there are still issues surrounding them. Knowing their advantages and disadvantages would help one make an opinion about them.

Empowerment of laborers is the most observable effect that one can see from these groups. Capitalists were not anymore able to subject workers to unfair conditions. Once, they were able to do whatever they wanted with their laborers, subjecting them to meager pay and hazardous working conditions without proper rest and compensations. Workers did not have any voice and were widely exploited since the equipment and capital for production did not belong to them. Now, the proletariat is deemed as an important part of production and rights are recognized.

To settle disputes and demands, a conference is being held. Here, laborers are able to express their side to the management. A settlement will then be made by meeting halfway between the demands of the employers and the employees. This collective bargaining agreement is deemed to be effective provided that the management is not that greedy to withhold what should be rightfully given.

With these movements, wages were increased. A minimum salary was then set that is reasonable enough for the worker. Benefits, specially health related ones were addressed. During the early years, there were many laborers who get sick and meet accidents during their work, and compensation was minimal if not unrecognized.

There are disadvantages, however, that can be observed. The rate of production is very much affected and it could be for better or worse. That would have to rely on workers. When their demands are not met, production runs low. This is due to their dissatisfaction. They would not be motivated to work for what they would not be rightfully paid. This is not the case, however, if the demands are met. Productivity is sure to increase when workers are seen as partners in business and given their fair share.

The extreme side of unionism can be seen during strikes. All modes of production are stopped in protest to their unheeded demands. How rightful their demands may be, if their strikes make the company lose profit, it would cause a shutdown. When a company shuts down, the employees would not be able to go back to their work which is their livelihood. This proves to be a double edged sword.

The most negative effect that can be seen is unemployment. As employees demand a higher wage, the company has to let go of some of their employees to protect their gains. This is known as the wage curve.

Worldwide, labor groups like unions Australia are still struggling against oppression. A balance between a union and a company is needed for a reasonable working relation. The success of these groups would then have to depend on that balance.




About the Author: