Unions reduce wage inequality, increase industrial democracy and often raise productivity. Unions define, promote and fight for the collective interests and rights of workers or group of workers, especially in relation to employers. Unions have been formed so as to have a strong bargaining with employers and when they have a common voice to represent their interests.
Collective bargaining and training provision
In Canada Unions play a great role in companies. Their involvement in matters affecting employees (their members) is of paramount importance to the Canadian companies.
Unions being a body representing employees involve themselves where there is a stand off between the employees and employers (Companies). Being a body representing the employees, unions involve themselves in collective bargaining on behalf of their members.
Collective bargaining agreements being a result of negotiated settlement between union and employer have considerable input to both workers and companies. These agreements afford a considerable support for workers to be provided better terms of working which in turn motivates them to work hard I realizing the goals and objectives of the organization.
Further collective bargaining agreement as carried out by unions play an important role in ensuring stability of companies. Their negotiations create stability to companies by entering negations with employees whenever a stand off occurs. This reduces the possibility of strikes which might affect the organization in one way or the other.
Addressing gender inequality
In the labour market today there is a large difference between men and women at workplace. There is a high number of males as compared to females. The level of occupational and industrial segregation between men and women remains very high. Initially men were concentrated in blue collar management jobs and profession. Women were relatively concentrated in lower level, pink collar clerical and administrative jobs in offices and in low pay part-time jobs. This division has worn out over time as women have entered professional and managerial jobs in high numbers.
It is through this inequality that unions have risen up to address this type of practice that is meted out on the women in Canada. Unions are deeply involved in the recruitment and promotions. The unions also address the pay package of women traditionally; men were preferably paid highly than women.
Ensuring health and safety at workplace
The involvement of union officials in health and safety committees of companies plays a great role in ensuring that health and safety is maintained at workplace. This provision is necessary as it ensures that the welfare of employees is taken into consideration by providing a safe and health environment. This enhances reduction of accidents to both employees and equipment. It also minimizes spread of diseases at work place.
Facilitating better pay and training of staff
In Canada the unions have the tasks of ensuring that the workers are paid well and further facilitating leaves to enable the staff the employees to go for training in order to improve their skills in tackling their duties. Therefore it is the duty of unions to negotiate with the companies on behalf of employees so that they (employees) are allowed time off to go for training.
Increase productivity
Productivity of an organization increases through the influence of union. This is particularly possible when the union is given recognition to negotiate for the interests of employees. This assists to build teamwork in the organization with the absence of strikes, absenteeism, sickness which largely affect the productivity in the organization. With the union in place and being recognized by management employees have sense of belonging and representation. This will always avert any stand off that was to be experienced by employees which adversely affect the output of the organization.
Reduce costs
Unions further play a great role in reducing costs for companies in Canada. This is possible through health negotiations with the unions. Reduction of costs can be experienced in term’s low turnover. At times when there is a stand off between organization and employees, most employees are terminated which results in the company having new staff and training them which over burdens the organizations financially.
In general unions play a vital role in ensuring smooth running of organizations when management recognizes them and when involved in negotiations on behalf of the employees.