Transformation of Trade Unions

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Changes made by governments- where many governments put in place new laws which undermined the authority of Unions. This was particularly so in the 1980s through to the 90’s. An example of such a law was that employers could opt to recognize a Trade Union, regardless of whether its employees were members of that Union. However, at the beginning of the twenty first century, these laws were reviewed by the European Union and employers were forced to recognize a Trade Union and negotiate with it if at least half of its worker population were members of the Trade Union.

Membership- Gradually, many people became disinterested in joining trade unions.

Industry Revolution- the shift from a manufacturing industry to a service oriented industry affected Unions. More people became less disposed to join Unions, more so, women and labourers who did not work on a full-time basis.

Ideological changes- Most individuals deemed it more fit to negotiate for their rights on a one to one basis with their employers rather than engage in communal negotiation or representation.

Trade unions bring a lot of leverage hence, positive effects for all parties involved. For one, most employers are now more open to negotiations by Trade Unions. Again, most employers have the notion that they can prevail if they stand together and have the strength of numbers. On the other hand labourers, believe that their privileges are better safeguarded when they are in a Union. It is also faster and comparably inexpensive for employers to negotiate with a union representative than negotiate on an individual basis with all his labourers. In addition, the workforce gains drive to work when they know that their interests are well protected.