First, the four basic functions of trade unions
1, maintenance function
The maintenance function of trade unions is to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of workers, which is the most basic and main function of trade unions.
2. Architectural function
The construction function of trade unions refers to the task of mobilizing and organizing the broad masses of workers to participate in construction and reform and strive to complete economic and social development.
3. Participation function
The participation function of trade unions is that trade unions should play the role of democratic channels for workers to participate in the management of state and social affairs and participate in the democratic management of enterprises, institutions and organs.
4. Educational function
The educational function of trade unions means that trade unions help workers to improve their ideological and moral quality and scientific and cultural quality, and build a contingent of workers with ideals, morality, culture and discipline.
Extended data
Trade unions, or general trade unions and workers' federations. Trade unions are the bridge between the party and the government and the masses of workers.
Trade unions are mass organizations of the working class, and workers unite voluntarily. This common interest group, such as employees working for the same employer and individuals in a certain industrial field. The main purpose of establishing a trade union organization is to negotiate wages and salaries, working hours and working conditions with employers.
The emergence of trade union organizations originated from the industrial revolution in the west. At that time, more and more farmers left the agriculture on which they depended for a living and poured into cities to work for factory employers in the city. However, the salary is very low and the working environment is extremely bad. In this environment, individual employees are unable to cope with strong employers, which leads to the emergence of labor strikes and the birth of trade unions.
Trade unions have long been illegal organizations in many countries, and the authorities have tortured and even executed the establishment of illegal trade unions. Nevertheless, various trade unions still exist and gradually gain political rights, which leads to the legalization of trade union organizations and the birth of labor laws or trade union laws in various countries.
With the rise of neo-liberalism in the late 20th century, the strength of trade unions in developed countries declined. In the United States, about one-third of workers joined trade unions in 1950, while only13% in 2003; Some highly mobile industries (such as manufacturing) often take moving factories as the main threat when facing the trade union movement.
In addition, American workers must sign a contract with the National Labor Relations Bureau, form a trade union, and hold elections under supervision; However, during the period from countersigning to voting, the employer can use various means to deal with workers who have no right to negotiate.