Classification of trade unions is based upon ideology, trade and agreement.
Classification based on ideology
a. Revolutionary Unions: Believe in destruction of existing social/economic order and creation of a new one. They want shift in power and authority and use of force - Left Unions.
b. Reformist or Welfare Unions: Work for changes and reforms within existing socio-political framework of society - European Model.
c. Uplift Unions: Advocate extensive reforms well beyond the area of working condition i.e., change in taxation system, elimination of poverty etc.
Classification based on trade
Classification based on agreement
Another basis on which labour agreements are sometimes distinguished is on basis of the type of agreement involved, based on the degree to which membership in the union is a condition of employment. These are:
a. Closed Shop: Where management and union agree that the union would have sole responsibility and authority for the recruitment of workers, it is called a Closed Shop agreement. The worker joins the union to become an employee of the shop. The Taft-Hartley Act of 1947 bans closed shop agreements in the USA, although they still exist in the construction and printing trades. Sometimes, the closed shop is also called the 'Hiring Hall.'
b. Union Shop: Where there is an agreement that all new recruits must join the union within a fixed period after employment it is called a union shop. In the USA where some states are declared to be 'right-to-work'.
c. Preferential Shop: When a Union member is given preference in filling a vacancy, such an agreement is called Preferential Shop.
d. Maintenance Shop: In this type of arrangement no compulsory membership in the union before or after recruitment exists. However, if the employee chooses to become a member after recruitment, his membership remains compulsory right throughout his tenure of employment with that particular employer. This is called a maintenance of membership shop or maintenance shop.
e. Agency Shop: In terms of the agreement between management and the union a non union member has to pay the union a sum equivalent to a member's subscription in order to continue employment with the employer. This is called an agency shop.
f. Open Shop: Membership in a union is in no way compulsory or obligatory either before or after recruitment. In such organisations, sometimes there is no union at all. This is least desirable form for unions. This is referred to as an open shop.
The above classifications are more usual in the west than on the Indian sub-continent.
Central Council of Trade Unions was created in 1921.
Trade Unions Forum was created in 2002-04.
Recognized trade unions are those unions which are known/conceded/approved by the employer to be their by the employee trade union and as far as registered trade union is consider they are those trade unions which are registered under the concerned trade union act.
Zambia Congress of Trade Unions was created in 1965.
Vanuatu Council of Trade Unions was created in 1985.
The Trade Unions were banned 2 May 1933 .
trade unions had bettered the working conditions of the working class
Swaziland Federation of Trade Unions was created in 1973.
Swiss Federation of Trade Unions was created in 1880.
Council of Nordic Trade Unions was created in 1972.
Centre of Indian Trade Unions was created in 1970.
Irish Congress of Trade Unions was created in 1959.