2281 · 3.4
Trade unions — FAQ
Frequently asked questions for 2281 Trade unions. Direct answers first, then deeper explanation — then practise with marking.
Is a trade union the same as a professional body?
Not quite. A professional body such as a medical council sets standards and licenses members; a trade union bargains over pay and conditions. Some organisations, such as teachers' unions, do both.
Do unions always cause unemployment?
No. If a union raises productivity, if demand for labour is inelastic, or if the employer is a monopsony paying below the competitive wage, a higher wage need not reduce employment — and may raise it.
Why has union membership fallen in many countries?
Manufacturing jobs, where unions were strongest, have declined; more people work part-time, in small firms or for themselves; and laws in many countries have restricted strikes and closed shops.