There are many conflicting opinions about the union about its mission and tasks. Some do not understand its values at all, considering these organizations useless in reality, not bringing any sense. Perhaps some associations do not live up to expectations, but in this article we will reveal the true goals and find out why unions are needed.
The role of the union in society
A trade union is an association of members of professional organizations to solve common internal issues. It is no secret that for many, this is only a faded association with the issuance of union vouchers for sanatoriums and other pleasant bonuses. The real goal is to protect the rights of the labor force, more precisely, workers and to maintain their interests.
There are many trade unions. In order to become a member of the association, you must write 2 application for membership. One is written for the trade union committee, the other is sent to accounting. Its content should notify the collection of membership fees. Further, after considering all applications, a decision is made on the acceptance of the employee into the organization.
If there is no professional union in your own enterprise, employees themselves can create it. To do this, at least 3 people should get together with the initiative.
The role of the union is to protect the rights of its team in case of disputes, labor violations and disagreements. If an employee has problems with management, he can safely seek help from a union, where more experienced people will understand the situation, take on the role of defense and try to defend the employee’s position on the legal rights of their organization.
Thus, the social role of the union is to solve the following problems:
- determination of the operating mode;
- analysis of social issues;
- pension provision;
- wages of the working population;
- workflow safety;
- fines and violations;
- occupational Safety and Health.
Functions and Tasks
In order to clearly understand why a union is needed, we define its main functions of work:
- Improves working conditions and pay.
- Interacts with higher authorities.
- Protects the interests of workers.
- Monitors compliance with the law between the head and subordinate.
It is not uncommon when a union policy is aimed at the cultural and educational process of its members in the spirit of patriotism.
The trade union has the right to carry out its activities in relation to:
- participation in discussions of new bills proposed by the authorities;
- participation in the management of state structures created through financial membership dues;
- creating your own tools to control working conditions;
- creation of collective agreements;
- negotiation;
- protection of union members;
- organization of rallies and meetings;
- statements about their claims based on the interests of workers;
- attention of managers to violation of rights.
Upon dismissal of an employee, the opinion of the trade union is taken into account and agreed with the employer. Considering the reasons for dismissal, the trade union can influence the future fate of the employee in labor activities in the best way. The opportunity to defend the rights of a union member has good chances, but only if the employee has not violated the rules of the labor contract and if this does not apply to staff reduction.
The functions are based on the Federal Law of the Russian Federation “On trade unions, their rights and guarantees of activity”. Also, trade union organizations are allowed to own land, buildings, sports and recreation complexes, and have their own property.
Role in the labor market
The role of labor unions in the labor market is incredibly important. Their activities fulfill essential tasks in the life of working structures. For example, it is responsible for the growth of wages and the improvement of working conditions, which is very important in the development of the work link, and from the financial point of view it affects the market economy.
However, in the competitive labor market, trade unions are perceived in two ways. Some of them are actively increasing the demand for labor, making it more efficient and quality, while others are aimed at restricting the supply of labor.
The limitation of offers is the result of the activities of associations to include this specialty in the list of licensed professions. This practice is widespread in developed countries. It can also be associated with a reduction in working time, minimization of the amount of work, curbing immigration of foreign workers, minimal wages and more.
Charter
The main organizational rules are formed in the Charter of the trade union. The list of conditional clauses of which it consists below.
- Name, purpose, functions, tasks of the organization.
- Groups and units to which union members belong.
- Rules of changes in the Charter and other documentation.
- The composition of the union.
- Requirements for union members, rights and obligations.
- Organizational issues responsible for the activities of the association.
- Sources of financing.
- The procedure for making membership fees.
- Union Property Management Rules.
For state registration, it is necessary to provide the Charter, the original document on the decision of the congress of the trade union association, the decision on the approval of the Charter and a list of those wishing to join the union.
Upon presentation of this package of documents to the executive bodies, the organization is registered as a legal entity.
Independent union
There are trade unions formed in private organizations that have nothing to do with government bodies. Their activities are conducted independently of other social structures. It is these associations that are called independent trade unions.
They are engaged in the development of the charter and other documentation independently, as well as conducting core business with their own goals and principles of work. Union members themselves elect a governing body and organize meetings, conferences, and more. They have the right to cooperate with other associations, including foreign ones.
Rights of union members
Becoming a full member of the union, the employee receives special privileges:
- legal assistance in case of labor litigation;
- use of benefits provided by the enterprise;
- purchase of permits to sanatoriums and boarding houses;
- calling for personal support to other members of the union in the event of an unfair decision by the leadership in relation to it;
- involvement of the trade union in resolving issues related to working conditions or pay;
- professional development with participation in the trade union;
- insurance for possible work-related injuries.
All these privileges that people who are not members of the association do not have, also answer the question of why a union is needed. Who will benefit from it?
What is a union ticket?
It has a number of its advantages, which are described above. But first of all, it is the main confirmation that the employee is part of the union. In addition, it imposes certain obligations that must be observed by all members of the association.
- Observe the rules of the Charter and all provisions attached to it.
- Pay monthly membership fees.
- Actively support the activities of the union.
- Participate in the life of the team and support collective action.
- Attend meetings and events.
- Do not violate the rules of the Charter.
- Do not harm organizations and team members.
- Personally contribute to the realization of all collective ideas and goals.
- Do not lose a union ticket.
Union voucher
All union members, as a rule, get various vacation packages. Basically, they get it not for free, but with a small percentage of discounts from 15 to 50%. To get a ticket, first you need to enter the union, and then use its privileges for members.
Usually, when the opportunity arises for recreation or a health trip for employees, the trade union organization itself makes an offer to everyone. But there is a chance that a union ticket to the sanatorium will be issued on personal appeal and applying. After payment, a ticket is issued at the regional organization. At the same time, you need to know that the resort can cancel the reservation for some independent reasons, the chairman of the union will be responsible for this moment.
Disadvantages of the trade union movement
The decision to join a union is voluntary. No one can legally force a person to join. Membership has many advantages, but what are the disadvantages that an aspirant can expect?
- Membership fee. Some consider the minus only that upon entry, the participant is required to pay a monthly membership fee. At the same time, there is an opinion that there is little real benefit from such an organization. It should be noted that it makes sense to review all the advantages and disadvantages of this union. Organizations themselves often differ in their structure and conduct of activities, and not all, unfortunately, have a bona fide policy.
- Some private unions are unable to solve the problem and protect the worker. Especially if it comes to court, you cannot be sure of the competence of those who will defend their interests.
- Imposing rules. Often, workers accuse unions of constructing their position and charters with the submission of certain bodies and carrying out their instructions in pursuit of selfish goals.
- Some unions do not give a clear guarantee of their activities.
The functions of trade unions, the goals of the organization should be taken into account by those who joined it.
Conclusion
So, we found out why unions are needed. They are required by both employees and employers, as they solve many organizational issues. The functions of the trade unions justify the interest of both parties in their activities, but, unfortunately, not all modern associations can actually provide the expected assistance and fulfill their main social role.