A workers representative is a professional who represents other workers in
the workplace. A teacher representative is a professional who stands for other
teachers. The teachers should stand for their fellow teachers just like other
professionals in the world. They should join hands and stand for things and
laws that are not acceptable. The teachers usually form unions.
A union is an association of worker employed by a business organization or
representing the whole industry responsible for adopting all possible measures
for the betterment of the employees and safeguarding their interests. It takes
all actions that can lead to improvement in the living standards of the
workers. It pertains to issues such as salary and working conditions. A strong
trade union can influence the government whenever the new trading policy is
about to be launched. The government does not want to displease or demotivate
the workforce and that is why will make an effort to pass favorable laws for
them. For example, the determination of minimum wage level is often based on
the status of the trade unions in the country. In some countries, the
operations and the activities of the trade unions are restricted or banned by
the law. However, trade unions are allowed to function in most of the countries
these days since they are an integral part of a mixed economy system. Trade
unions prevent workers from being unfairly dismissed or subjected to
inappropriate treatment. They are also responsible for improving relations and
acting as a bridge between the management and the workforce through the process
of collective bargaining.
Collective bargaining is a process in which the management of a company and
the representatives of the trade union are engaged in a negotiation process
with reference to a variety of relevant issues before any decision is
finalized. Both the parties express their views on matters such as salary
package, hiring, and termination policy, promotion, increments etc. A series of
discussions may lead to a mutually acceptable decision and the employers can
work in harmony with the employees.
