How have trade unions played a part in the legal system?
I can explain the relationship between trade unions and government and the impact they have had on legislation.
How have trade unions played a part in the legal system?
I can explain the relationship between trade unions and government and the impact they have had on legislation.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Trade unions are groups of workers who protect rights and improve pay and conditions through collective bargaining.
- The relationship between trade unions and government has changed, from collaboration in 1871 to conflict in the 1980s.
- Trade unions have influenced workplace laws, including minimum wage, equality, and health and safety regulations.
- Unions continue to lobby for stronger worker protections and push for improved workplace legislation today.
Keywords
Trade union - a group of workers in the same trade or profession who have joined together to protect their rights
Legislation - a law or a set of laws that have been passed by Parliament. The word is also used to describe the act of making a new law
Bargaining - negotiating to improve workers' pay, hours, and conditions
Common misconception
That the relationship between trade unions and government has only ever been one of conflict.
Trade unions have also worked alongside government to create employment law.
To help you plan your year 10 citizenship lesson on: How have trade unions played a part in the legal system?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 citizenship lesson on: How have trade unions played a part in the legal system?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
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Adult supervision recommended
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Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.How many people sit on a jury?
Q2.Who do magistrates and Justices of the Peace receive support from in the courtroom?
Q3.What term refers to laws made in Parliament?
Q4.When a law is proposed, who debates and votes on whether the bill should become a law?
Q5.Which law protects against discrimination relating to nine protected characteristics?
Q6.Put these processes and roles of the jury in the order in which they happen.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Negotiating to improve workers' pay, hours, and conditions is known as what?
Q2.Which law first recognised trade unions in the law?
Q3.Which political party and their leader made reforms to the rights of trade unions to minimise union action and disruption?
Q4.Which law was not influenced by trade unions?
Q5.What do some trade unions think the national minimum wage needs to be replaced by?
Q6.Match the term to its definition.
a group of employees who have joined together to protect their rights
a law or a set of laws that have been passed by Parliament
done by or involving all members of a group