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Basic Guide to Trade Unions
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Strong trade unions are necessary for effective collective
bargaining - an important way of regulating industrial relations and of
determining workers’ wages and benefits. Trade unions do not have to be
registered with the Department of Labour, but registered unions have
additional rights.
ApplicationThe Labour Relations Act applies to all employers, workers, trade
unions and employers’ organisations, but does not apply to -
See
RegistrationTrade unions do not have to register with the Department of
Labour, but they are advised to do so. Registration affects the rights
of unions.
If unions wish to be registered, their constitutions have to meet
certain requirements, including:
A trade union wishing to register must also be free from the
influence or control of an employer or employers’ organisation.
Rights of Trade UnionsRegistered unions have more rights than unregistered ones,
including:
All trade unions have a right to –
Based on Legislation in Section 8, Section 12, Section 17, of the Labour Relations Act DisputesAny party may refer, in writing, any disputes about the rights of
trade unions to –
Worker’s RightsWorkers and job seekers have a right to join and be active in
trade unions.
Right to Form or Join a UnionWorkers and job seekers have a right to -
Based on legislation in Section 4, Section 5, of the Labour Relations Act Deduction of SubscriptionsWorkers who are members of a registered trade union may give their
employer written permission to deduct trade union subscriptions or
levies from their wages.
Workers may cancel this deduction by giving their employer and the
trade union one month’s written notice.
Based on Legislation in Section 13 of the Labour Relations Act Protection from DiscriminationEmployers may not discriminate against workers or job applicants
who are trade union members or who take part in trade union
activities. They may not reward workers or job applicants who are
not trade union members.
Based on Legislation in Section 5, of the Labour Relations Act DisputesAny party may refer, in writing, any disputes about the rights of
workers to –
Employer’s DutiesDeduction of SubscriptionsIf an employer receives written authorisation from a worker to
deduct trade union subscriptions from their wages, the employer must
begin making the authorised deduction as soon as possible.
The amount deducted must be given to the trade union by not later
than the 15th day of each month.
Based on legislation in Section 13, of the Labour Relations Act Related Links
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