Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of trade unions

Employment Relations

Assessment Task:

PORT1

Trade unions play a crucial role in safeguarding the rights and interests of workers. By advocating for better working conditions, fair wages, and improved benefits, trade unions have historically contributed to the overall improvement of labor standards and the well-being of employees. They serve as a collective voice for workers, negotiating with employers to ensure a fair distribution of resources and protect against exploitation. Trade unions also provide support to workers in cases of disputes, offering legal representation and guidance. However, like any institution, trade unions are not without their challenges. Critics argue that they can sometimes impede productivity and hinder flexibility in the labor market. Furthermore, the rise of the gig economy and remote work poses new challenges for trade unions, requiring them to adapt their strategies to effectively represent and protect the rights of workers in non- traditional employment arrangements. Overall, trade unions continue to play a vital role in maintaining a balance of power between employers and workers, but they must evolve to address the changing dynamics of the modern workforce.

Considering the statement mentioned above, you are asked to write 2000 words of an individual assignment, where you are required to answer the two tasks given below:

Task 1: Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of trade unions in the context of globalization and the international labor market.

Task 2:  Analyse the impact of technology and automation on the future of trade unions and the role they play in protecting workers` rights.

Support your discussion with relevant examples, facts, or figures.

References - Minimum 10 references from various sources such as e-books, books, journals, academic websites, e-journals, and other authentic sources following the Harvard referencing style.

Learning outcome 1: Explain the dynamic nature of the field of employee relations and the changing environment within which it operates.

Learning outcome 2: Assess the significance of differing perceptions of and orientations to work, in the context of change and modernization and contemporary labour market trends and data.

Learning outcome 3: Examine and assess the relevance of the processes and procedures of ER and the conflicts and tension which can arise.

1: Analytical skills. The portfolio enables the students to analyse and evaluate the benefits of the different activities done in the class. This skill will eventually help them evaluate options necessary to make decisions in the workplace.

2: Reading and Writing skills. The portfolio is a kind of academic work that requires independent research on the given topic/s. This focuses on the learning skills related to the search and comprehension of the required information and collecting suitable reading sources that will come up clear and organised ideas.