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Facts About Trade Unions

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Trade unions, also called labour unions, originated in the 19th centur y and became synonymous with the labour movement in Britain, Europe, and the United States. The unions began to appear under calls for trade, industry or company workers to receive better working conditions, pay and job security. In addition, they leveraged associations of workers to negotiate collective demands on behalf of workers.  As a result, unions have made great strides in securing social and political status over the years despite various legal and statutory regulation s . Modern trade union membership can offer powerful campaigns and lobby for members. Although they have grown substantially and have become large organisations, they also provide support at the individual level. In addition, trade union membership can address difficulties in the workplace, such as harassment, redundancy, and unfair dismissal. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at modern trade unions and some interesting facts abo
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How Young People Could Shape the Future of Trade Unions

Long-term membership decline has been an issue for trade unions for a long time now. In 1979, there were over 13.2 million people in Britain that enjoyed a trade union membership . In 2018, there were only 6.01 million members. This decline of over 50% can be attributed to a range of factors, from political reforms to the eighties to privatisations in various industries. As a result, younger workers have much more rarely joined unions in the last years and often fight battles in the workplace independently. The pandemic has boosted the interest young workers show in trade unions, however, and there might finally be light at the end of the tunnel. This article will discuss why trade unions matter for young people especially and why it might be a good idea to sign up for a membership yourself.   The Struggles Young People Face on the Labour Market The labour market of today is often volatile and unwelcoming when it comes to young workers. There is a range of reasons why this is tr
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Location: London N7 9GX, UK
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Can I Join a Trade Union?

One of the most common questions we are asked when someone contacts Community is, “ can I join a trade union ? ”. It’s a common misunderstanding or workplace myth that you can’t join a trade union, especially if many of your colleagues aren’t trade union members.    The truth, however, is that anyone has a legal right to join a trade union. That’s a fact. It’s actua lly against the law for an employer to put you at a disadvantage if you join a trade union.    Your employer is not permitted to:  Treat you differently or unfairly because you’re a trade union member Sack you if you’re a union member Pick you for redundancy because you‘re a union member or as a result of your union activities. Offer you incentives to leave your trade union. Refuse to offer you employment because you’re a trade union member Refuse your training or workplace learning because you’re a trade union member   It’s also your right to choose which union you belong to.
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Location: London, UK
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Plans to Scrap School Restrictions Criticised by Education Union

  Earlier this month, Education Secretary Gavin Williams announced that Coronavirus restrictions in schools would soon be lifted. From the 19th of July, school isolation bubbles will be scrapped alongside all other restrictions in England.   According to current rules, if one pupil tests positive for Covid-19, the whole class must be sent home to self-isolate. However, questions were raised about the efficiency of isolation bubbles as the number of children sent home quadrupled, despite only 4% being confirmed positive cases. When isolation bubbles are scrapped this month, NHS test and trace will take over the process. According to the Prime Minister’s outline to MP’s, from August 16th, under 18’s contacted by test and trace and identified as having ‘close contact’ with someone with the virus will no longer have to self-isolate.    In his announcement, the Prime Minister also declared that restrictions on face-to-face teaching and learning in universities will no longer be rest
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