The Role of Trade Unions

Exam code: 7115

Written by: Ashika|Reviewed by: Caroline Carroll|Updated 2 July 2026

A trade union is an organisation that represents the interests of its workers in negotiations with a firm’s management or owners
- A trade union's main aim is to protect and advance the interests of its members in the workplace
- Most trade unions are independent of any employer but try to develop close working relationships with employers

Function	Description
Protect employee rights	Trade unions make sure workers are treated fairly and that employers follow the law
Negotiate pay and conditions	They talk to employers on behalf of workers to agree on wages, working hours and holidays
Support during disputes	If there is a disagreement (e.g. over pay cuts, discrimination or unfair treatment), the union represents and supports the employees
Give legal advice	Trade unions help members understand their rights and may offer legal help in case of problems at work
Provide training and education	Some unions offer training courses or workshops to help workers improve their skills or learn about their rights
Improve health and safety	Unions push for safe working conditions and may work with employers to reduce risks in the workplace

Trade unions are usually formed by the members of specific industries
- Airline pilots have a pilots' union
- Rail and sea workers have a rail and maritime union
- E.g. The NEA is the USA's largest professional employee organisation, representing public school teachers and other support personnel at colleges and universities

Workers pay a monthly fee to join a trade union
- The fee is called a subscription
- Membership ends when the member stops paying this fee

Almost 23% of UK employees in permanent positions belonged to a trade union in 2022
- Poland has the lowest level of trade union membership in the EU
- Around 70% of workers in Scandinavian countries are trade union members
Public sector industries tend to have the highest membership density
Women are more likely than men to belong to a trade union
Trade union members generally receive higher pay than non-union members
Large trade unions are able to influence government decisions in favour of workers

Advantages for employees	Disadvantages for employees
Workers benefit from collective bargaining, meaning they do not have to negotiate alone Union members often receive higher pay, better working conditions and non-wage benefits such as breaks and holiday rights Trade unions offer free legal advice, support during disputes and job training to help workers	Union decisions may not reflect everyone’s views, but members are still expected to support them Union fees must be paid, reducing discretionary income Should a strike be called, employees are not paid, creating stress and tension between workers and management Workers who choose not to take industrial action may face pressure or intimidation from others.

What trade unions do