Revision Labour and Trade Union Social Studies Primary 6 First Term Lesson Notes Week 11

Subject: Social Studies
Topic: Labour and Trade Union
Duration: 45 minutes
Class: Primary 6
Term: First Term
Week: 11

Set Induction:
Begin by asking students about any occupations they know and if they’ve heard of trade unions. Encourage them to share their thoughts.

Key Words:
Labour, Trade Union, Social Studies

Previous Knowledge:
Recall prior lessons on occupations, rights, and responsibilities.

Behavioral Objectives:
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

  1. Define the terms “labour” and “trade union.”
  2. Understand the role of trade unions in protecting workers’ rights.
  3. Identify the importance of collective bargaining.

Embedded Core Values:
Fairness, Cooperation, Advocacy

Learning Materials:

  1. Visual aids depicting different occupations.
  2. Examples of trade union activities.
  3. Whiteboard and markers.

Content:

  1. Introduction to the concepts of labour and trade unions.
  2. Explanation of the role of trade unions in protecting workers’ rights.
  3. Discussion on the importance of collective bargaining.

Meaning of “Labour”:
“Labour” refers to the physical or mental effort exerted by individuals in the process of producing goods or providing services. It encompasses various forms of work, including manual and intellectual activities, aimed at contributing to economic or societal development.

Definition of “Trade Union” and Its Purpose:
A “trade union” is an organized association of workers or employees formed to protect and promote their common interests, rights, and welfare. The primary purpose of a trade union is to advocate for the well-being of its members by negotiating with employers on issues such as working conditions, wages, benefits, and overall job-related matters.

Importance of Trade Unions in Protecting Workers’ Rights:

  1. Collective Bargaining: Trade unions engage in collective bargaining to negotiate with employers on behalf of workers, ensuring fair wages, reasonable working hours, and improved working conditions.
  2. Representation: Trade unions represent the collective voice of workers, advocating for their rights and interests in discussions with employers and policymakers.
  3. Legal Support: In cases of workplace disputes or unfair treatment, trade unions provide legal assistance and representation to their members, ensuring a fair resolution.
  4. Workplace Safety: Trade unions work to ensure that workplaces adhere to safety regulations, protecting workers from hazardous conditions and advocating for improvements when necessary.

Examples of Activities Engaged in by Trade Unions to Support Workers:

  1. Strikes and Protests: Trade unions may organize strikes or protests to draw attention to unfair labor practices, demand better working conditions, or negotiate improved benefits.
  2. Negotiating Collective Agreements: Trade unions negotiate collective agreements with employers, outlining terms and conditions of employment, including wages, benefits, and working hours.
  3. Providing Training and Education: Trade unions offer training programs to enhance the skills of their members, empowering them in their careers.
  4. Advocacy for Policy Changes: Trade unions actively participate in advocating for labor-related policy changes at local, national, and international levels to protect workers’ rights.

Benefits of Collective Bargaining for Both Workers and Employers:

  1. For Workers:
    a) Improved Wages and Benefits: Collective bargaining helps secure fair wages and better benefits for workers. b) Job Security: Negotiations may address issues related to job security, reducing the risk of layoffs.
  2. For Employers:
    a) Stable Workforce: Collective bargaining contributes to a stable and satisfied workforce, reducing turnover. b) Improved Productivity: Fair working conditions can enhance employee morale and productivity.

In summary, trade unions play a crucial role in safeguarding workers’ rights through collective bargaining, representation, and various advocacy activities, benefiting both workers and employers by fostering fair and harmonious labor relations.

1. Labour refers to the __________ effort exerted by individuals in the process of producing goods or providing services.
a) Intellectual
b) Physical
c) Financial
d) Emotional

2. A trade union is an organized association of __________ formed to protect and promote their common interests, rights, and welfare.
a) Employers
b) Policymakers
c) Workers or employees
d) Investors

3. The primary purpose of a trade union is to advocate for the well-being of its members by negotiating with employers on issues such as __________.
a) Advertising
b) Working hours
c) Sales strategies
d) Product development

4. Collective bargaining is a process where trade unions negotiate with employers to ensure fair __________, reasonable working hours, and improved working conditions.
a) Prices
b) Wages
c) Taxes
d) Profits

5. Trade unions represent the collective voice of workers, advocating for their rights and interests in discussions with __________.
a) Policymakers
b) Customers
c) Employers
d) Investors

6. In cases of workplace disputes or unfair treatment, trade unions provide __________ and representation to their members.
a) Financial support
b) Legal assistance
c) Marketing services
d) Counseling

7. Trade unions may organize strikes or protests to draw attention to __________ or negotiate improved benefits.
a) Social issues
b) Political agendas
c) Unfair labor practices
d) Environmental concerns

8. Trade unions negotiate collective agreements with employers, outlining terms and conditions of employment, including wages, benefits, and __________.
a) Vacation policies
b) Product quality
c) Working hours
d) Advertising strategies

9. Providing training programs to enhance the skills of their members is one of the activities of trade unions to empower workers in their __________.
a) Hobbies
b) Personal lives
c) Careers
d) Social relationships

10. Trade unions actively participate in advocating for labour-related __________ at local, national, and international levels.
a) Fashion trends
b) Policy changes
c) Entertainment options
d) Scientific advancements

11. Collective bargaining helps secure fair __________ and better benefits for workers.
a) Job security
b) Vacation time
c) Job titles
d) Workload

12. Negotiations in collective bargaining may address issues related to __________, reducing the risk of layoffs.
a) Job promotions
b) Job security
c) Job rotations
d) Job satisfaction

13. A stable and satisfied workforce resulting from collective bargaining contributes to reduced __________.
a) Employee morale
b) Employee turnover
c) Employee conflicts
d) Employee training

14. Fair working conditions can enhance employee morale and __________.
a) Employee turnover
b) Employee conflicts
c) Employee satisfaction
d) Employee isolation

15. Trade unions play a crucial role in safeguarding workers’ rights through collective bargaining, representation, and various advocacy activities, benefiting both workers and __________.
a) Employers
b) Policymakers
c) Investors
d) Customers

Presentation:
Step 1:Briefly revise the previous topics

Step 2:Define “labour” and “trade union” to the students.

Step 3: Discuss the role of trade unions in advocating for workers’ rights.
Step 4: Engage students in a discussion on the importance of collective bargaining.

Teacher’s Activities:

  1. Provide clear definitions of labour and trade unions.
  2. Share examples of trade union activities.
  3. Facilitate discussions on the importance of collective bargaining.

Learners’ Activities:

  1. Participate in defining key terms.
  2. Ask questions for clarification.
  3. Share thoughts on workers’ rights and the role of trade unions.

Evaluation:

  1. What is the meaning of the term “labour”?
  2. Define “trade union” and explain its purpose.
  3. Why are trade unions important in protecting workers’ rights?
  4. What are some examples of activities that trade unions engage in to support workers?
  5. How does collective bargaining benefit both workers and employers?

Encourage students to share their perspectives and experiences. Summarize key points to reinforce understanding and emphasize the significance of fair and just working conditions.

Labour and Trade Union Social Studies Primary 6 First Term Lesson Notes Week 11

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