Thursday, July 29, 2010

FUNCTIONS OF A LABOR UNION

Labor organizations have different functions. Most unions, however, only cover the hard core functions of collective bargaining and internal union administration.  This could be attributed to the fact that unions in the Philippines vary according to the type of orientation and values adopted by the trade union organization.

THE FIVE (5) FUNCTIONS OF A TRADE UNION ORGANIZATION
*internal union administration
*collective bargaining
*relationship with national and international labor organizations
*legislative, political and community activities
*education and welfare activities

1.  INTERNAL UNION ADMINISTRATION
Embraces the legislative, executive-administrative and  the judicial functions. 
The Legislative function is exercised by the general membership and its governing body known as the         Board of Directors.  There are questions and issues on union activities which only the general membership can decide on, like questions of major policy affecting all members.
The Executive-Administrative functions involves the execution and implementation of union policies as well as the administration of the day-to-day union affairs.
The Judicial function pertains to the discipline of members and is exercised by the investigative committee or Loyalty Board with the general membership as the court of the last resort.

2.  COLLECTIVE BARGAINING
 Includes the preparation, negotiation process, signing, ratification and enforcement of a collective bargaining agreement between the union and the company summarizing terms and conditions of employment covering the workers represented.  Enforcement of the agreement includes the grievance procedure in the CBA, voluntary and compulsory arbitration including use of concerted activity in accordance with the law.

3.  RELATIONSHIP WITH NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL CENTERS
 covers activities related to strengthening relationship with federations, trade union centers and global unions.  This would also include supporting programs designed to strengthen the workers’ movement nationally and internationally.
4.  LEGISLATIVE, POLITICAL AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
    Includes activities to further specific interests and support broad programs such as supporting legislations that would be advantageous to labor,  voting for political candidates supportive to labor and undertaking community activities designed to help workers living in the community.

5.  EDUCATION AND WELFARE ACTIVITIES
 Are activities beyond the representative functions of unions in the company and is related more to the workers well-being and development.  This extra functions means a variety of activities including mutual aid benefits, setting up of cooperatives, health care for members, etc.

These varied functions puts the union into a constantly mobile state from meeting with members, holding a grievance meeting with management, collecting union dues, sends delegates to conferences with government units, passes resolutions in favor or against a particular legislation or national issues and campaign to members to vote for candidates who are considered “friends of labor.” Source: alevars@yahoo.com

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