What are the five functions of trade unions?

Answer 1

According to Ewing (2005):

Trade unions have a number of functions, some of which have been more prominent than others at different periods in history. But over the course of time trade unions have developed '''five principal functions'''.

These are respectively:

(1) a service function;

(2) a representation function;

(3) a regulatory function;

(4) a government function; and

(5) a public administration function.

Ewing's paper examines these different functions and argues that the balance is shifting, with more emphasis being placed on service, governmental and public administration functions. According to this author, we are witnessing the emergence of a new 'supply side trade unionism' with a corresponding dilution of their representative and regulatory functions

(Ewing, K.D., The Functions of Trade Unions, Industrial Law Journal, 34 (1))