Business

The importance of trade unions cannot be understated. It is through labor unions that the employee s concerns can be addressed by the employers. Labor unions help workers achieve collective bargaining power. Collective bargaining can be described as the coming together of workers to negotiate on their concerns through meetings and discussions.

Strong trade unions are important in that it helps reduce unrest among workers since their grievances are addressed on time. These issues are tackled through collective bargaining agreements
 ( AFSCME, 2010).

Collective bargaining agreements are normally negotiated upon by representatives of the union and the management on an equal footing basis. Therefore the agreements reached are acceptable to both parties. It is after this that the members are asked to approve the agreement before it is signed
 ( AFSCME, 2010).

Importance of trade unions
One benefit of joining a trade union is that unionized workers can bargain for salaries higher than those of non-unionized workers. Therefore workers in unions earn more wages than non-unionized employees. The benefits enjoyed by unionized employees are also better. Trade unions are in a position to negotiate for better working conditions in terms of working hours, and even bonuses
 ( AFSCME, 2010).

Trade unions also act as a communication link between the workers and the management. By being together, workers can be heard and have their concerns addressed. The union can be able to negotiate on worker s behalf and hence arrive at binding agreements
 ( AFSCME, 2010).

The union also provides advice in addition to conducting training courses, seminars for its members. This in turn helps the members advance their knowledge and consequently result in better understanding of their rights. Apart from these functions, trade unions also serve a general role of protecting and serving the interests of workers.