Trade Unions and Collective Bargaining

Trade unions are organisations of workers that negotiate with employers over wages, working conditions, and other terms of employment. Their role in the labour market has been one of the most debated topics in economics and politics — particularly in the UK, where union membership and influence have undergone dramatic change since the 1970s.

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What Is a Trade Union?

Key Definition: A trade union is an association of workers formed to protect and advance the interests of its members through collective bargaining with employers and, where necessary, industrial action.

Types of Trade Unions

Type	Description	Example
Craft union	Represents workers with a particular skill or trade	Musicians' Union
Industrial union	Represents all workers in a specific industry	National Union of Mineworkers (NUM)
General union	Represents workers across many industries and occupations	GMB, Unite the Union
White-collar/professional union	Represents professional and office workers	British Medical Association (BMA), National Education Union (NEU)