Role of Trade Unions in Promoting Productivity and Associated Benefits for Members

Role of Trade Unions in Promoting Productivity and Associated Benefits for Members

As asserted by Blanchflower (1996), union movement places a central determining role in increasing productivity and efficiency. Fundamentally, trade unions are groups of organisations that have united members together in achieving common goals, in relation to better working conditions, higher salaries and overall enhancement in standards of living. Throughout the years, Booth (1995) noted that various approach have been adopted by unions to raise productivity levels and subsequently, gained significant attention from the media. Cameron (1987) remarked that productivity is identified as a vital essence, as it is a strong representation of profit, protecting and benefitting the interests of the members determine economic growth. Primarily, Aidt and Tzannatos (2002) identify that the role of trade union is to discuss and negotiate with the management in improving the working techniques and environment, offering competent advice to implement better changes. In Singapore, high amount of cooperation is needed between the management and trade union in order to increase productivity without an agreement of the necessary conditions, making it challenging for unions to help members. According to Cameron (1987), it is crucial to provide psychological satisfaction to put the employees at ease with the intrinsic motivation to put in effort to drive productivity.

Firstly, Blanchflower (1996) stated that union awareness on the importance of raising productivity levels could be done through maintaining strong, positive relationship with the members. The primary cause is to safeguard and advance the interests of the members, which mainly centralises on work conditions. Over the years in Singapore, the overall status of employment has relatively high union membership. Majority of union members work in machinery sector, this excludes self-employed individuals and professionals. One main concern...