Structure of Trade union

The trade unions are democratic organisations which are accountable to their members for their policies and actions. Unions are normally modelled on the following structure-

• Members

People who pay a subscription to belong a union

• Shops stewards

Sometimes called union representatives- who are elected by the members of the union to represent them to management.

• Branches

Which support union members in different organisation locally. There is usally a branch secretory who is elected by local members.

• District and regional offices.

These are usally staffed by full time union officials. These are people who paid to offer advise and support to union members locally.

• A National office

The unions headquarter which offer support to union members and negotiates or campaign for improvement to their working condition.

At the top of the organisation there is usally a General secretory and a national Executive commitee, elected by unions members.