Trade Unions: Registration, Rights and Liabilities, Functions and Role in Industrial Relations Questions

Question 1

Define trade union.

Accepted Answer

A **trade union** is an association of workers formed to protect and promote members’ interests and to represent them in dealings/negotiations with employers (concept).

Question 2

State one need/importance of trade unions.

Accepted Answer

Trade unions provide **collective strength** to workers and help reduce unequal bargaining power (concept).

Question 3

Collective bargaining is a key function of trade unions. (True/False)

Accepted Answer

True. **Collective bargaining** is one of the main functions of trade unions (concept).

Question 4

Registration of a trade union provides legal recognition/status. (True/False)

Accepted Answer

True. **Registration** generally provides legal status and improves credibility in representation (concept).

Question 5

Name any one function of a trade union.

Accepted Answer

**Representation** of workers in grievances/disputes (or collective bargaining/welfare activities) (concept).

Question 6

State one problem/challenge faced by trade unions.

Accepted Answer

Multiplicity of unions and **inter-union rivalry** (concept).

Question 7

List any three functions of trade unions (points).

Accepted Answer

Any three functions (concept):

- **collective bargaining** on wages/conditions
- representation in grievances and disputes (concept)
- welfare services (legal aid, education, medical support) (concept)
- protect members against unfair labour practices
- worker education and leadership development (concept)

Any three points are sufficient.

Question 8

Explain the need for trade unions (any three) using a small table.

Accepted Answer

Need for trade unions (concept):

| Need | Explanation |
|---|---|
| **Collective strength** | balances unequal bargaining power |
| Better conditions | negotiates wages, hours, safety and welfare (concept) |
| Dispute handling | supports grievance settlement and industrial peace (concept) |

Any three points are acceptable (concept).

Question 9

Explain registration of trade unions (overview) and write any two benefits (use a table).

Accepted Answer

Registration (concept) is formal recognition of a union by the Registrar based on prescribed details/rules.

| **Benefit** | Meaning (concept) |
|---|---|
| **Legal status** | recognition for representation purposes |
| Credibility | stronger standing in negotiations (concept) |
| Continuity (concept) | stability despite membership changes |

Any two benefits are sufficient.

Question 10

List any three rights/privileges of registered trade unions and any one responsibility (use points).

Accepted Answer

Rights/privileges (any three) (concept):

- represent members in **collective bargaining** and disputes (concept)
- hold meetings and collect subscriptions (as per rules) (concept)
- certain statutory protections for lawful union activities (concept)
- maintain a registered office and union rules/constitution (concept)

One responsibility:
- maintain proper accounts/records and act through lawful means (concept).

Question 11

Explain union recognition (concept) and why it is important for collective bargaining (any two reasons).

Accepted Answer

### Union recognition (concept)
**Union recognition** means identifying/accepting a representative union to negotiate on behalf of workers.

### Importance (any two)
- enables effective **collective bargaining** with one representative body (concept)
- reduces inter-union rivalry and confusion in negotiations (concept)
- improves industrial peace by creating clear communication channels (concept)

Any two reasons are sufficient.

Question 12

Write any three measures to reduce inter-union rivalry and strengthen trade unionism (use a small table).

Accepted Answer

Measures (any three) (concept):

| Measure | How it helps (concept) |
|---|---|
| **Recognition/one-union** system | reduces rivalry and strengthens bargaining |
| Internal democracy | improves legitimacy and member trust (concept) |
| Leadership training | improves negotiation skills and responsibility (concept) |
| Transparent accounts (concept) | reduces misuse of funds and builds credibility |

Any three measures are sufficient.

Question 13

Write an exam-style note on trade unions: meaning, functions and role in industrial relations (include a table and conclusion).

Accepted Answer

### Meaning
A **trade union** is an association of workers formed to protect members’ interests and represent them in dealings with employers (concept).

### Functions (any 4)
- **collective bargaining**
- grievance/dispute representation (concept)
- welfare activities
- worker education and leadership development (concept)

### Role in industrial relations (table)
| Role | Contribution (concept) |
|---|---|
| **Representation** | provides a single voice for workers |
| Bargaining | negotiates fair wages/conditions (concept) |
| Dispute reduction | helps settlement and promotes industrial peace (concept) |

### Conclusion
Responsible unionism strengthens industrial relations by improving communication and settling issues through negotiation rather than conflict (concept).

Question 14

Explain problems of trade unions and suggest measures to strengthen trade unionism (exam-style) using a table and conclusion.

Accepted Answer

### Problems (concept)
- multiplicity of unions and **inter-union rivalry**
- political influence and leadership issues (concept)
- weak finances and low membership
- lack of trained negotiators and trust deficit (concept)

### Measures (table)
| Measure | How it helps (concept) |
|---|---|
| **Recognition/one-union** systems | reduces rivalry and improves bargaining strength |
| Training and democracy | improves leadership and accountability (concept) |
| Transparency in accounts | builds member trust and compliance (concept) |

### Conclusion
Stronger, democratic and transparent unions contribute to stable industrial relations and fair workplace outcomes (concept).

Question 15

Explain the link between trade unions and collective bargaining using a simple flow and brief note (exam-style).

Accepted Answer

### Flow (concept)
Workers’ issues → Union collects demands → Charter of demands → Negotiation with management (**collective bargaining**) → Agreement/settlement → Implementation → **Industrial peace**

### Brief note
Trade unions institutionalise negotiation, reduce individual conflicts, and help convert demands into formal agreements, improving stability in industrial relations (concept).

Trade Unions: Registration, Rights and Liabilities, Functions and Role in Industrial Relations

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