Why to join the union and how it can help in crisis?

Created at 4.6.2020 15:22
Last edit 14.6.2020 17:08
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The role of the trade union is the representation of workers' rights and interests in contact with the employer and institutions. Members have access to social and legal support when entering the occupational community. It is also an opportunity to unite professionals and work together on the challenges of industry. The trade union stands by its members and all those in the industry in social dialogue with public authorities, legislators and decision-makers in order to improve regulation and high social standards. In this way, arobiedram offers opportunities for protection, representation and support.

How can a member of a trade union be helpful during the economic crisis?

Trade unions have historically played an important role in the development of labour law and the country also protects trade union members by law. As provided for in the Labour Act:

"Article 110. Apply a contract of employment to a member of the employee union

(1) The employer shall be prohibited to terminate an employment contract for an employee - a trade union member - without prior consent of the relevant trade union, if the employee is a trade union member for more than six months, except for the cases specified in Section 47, Paragraph one, and Section 101, Paragraph one, Clauses 4, 8 and 10 of this Law. If the employment contract is intended to be terminated in the case referred to in Section 101, Paragraph one, Clauses 7 and 11 of this Law, the employer shall inform the trade union in advance and shall consult with it.

(2) The employee trade union has a duty to inform the employer regarding its decision within a time period, but not later than within seven working days after receipt of the request of the employer. If the employee trade union does not inform the employer of its decision within a period of seven working days, the employee union shall be deemed to agree with the announcement of the employer.

(3) An employer may terminate an employment contract not later than within one month from the day when the agreement of the employee trade union has been received.

(4) If a trade union of employees does not agree with the cooling-off of a contract of employment, within a period of one month from the day of receipt of the reply, the employer may bring an action before the court regarding termination of the contract of employment. https://likumi.lv/doc.php?id=26019) ".

Therefore, a person who has registered as a member of the trade union for at least six months may obtain legal protection in the event of dismissal. If a person changes his or her job but remains a member of the union, then the occupational office accumulates and can be used as a defense at the next job, or when he returns back. Dismissal is the extreme example, but the union can also help in the event of smaller conflicts and irregularities. The crisis is both an opportunity and a time of insecurity and instability, and there is a legal guarantee in the trade union for respect for and protection of rights. They are also more likely to exist than themselves, to obtain the necessary information and to represent themselves and their colleagues together.