UNIT – I Lesson 1 HRM – AN OVERVIEW Lesson Outline Nature of ...

PRINCIPLES
Trade unions function on the basis of three cardinal principles. If any one of them is
threatened or is in jeopardy, they would fight back. These principles are:
• Unity is strength
This fact has been very effectively brought out by Longfellow in the song of
Hiawatha:
“ All your strength is in your union,
All your danger is in your discord;
Therefore, be at peace henceforward,
And, as brothers, live together.”
• Equal pay for equal work or for the same job.
This principle is based on one of the nine principles included in the ILO’s charter
of the freedom of labour, which says:
“Men and women should receive equal remuneration for work of equal value”
• Security of service
Security of service, which enjoins upon trade unions that they ensure social and
economic security for their members.
WHY DO EMPLOYEES JOIN TRADE UNION?
Workers join trade unions because they are constrained by circumstances to do so;
and because they want:
• To get economic security; that is, they want steady employment with an
adequate income;
• To restrain the management from taking any action which is irrational,
illogical, discriminatory or prejudicial to the interests of labour. Workers desire
that the assignment of jobs, transfers, promotions, the maintenance of
discipline, lay offs, retirement, rewards and punishments should be on the basis
of pre-determined policy and on the basis of what is fair and just;
• To communicate their views, aims, ideas, feelings and frustrations to the
management; that is, they want to have an effective voice in discussions which
affect their welfare;