The industrial revolution
During which historical period did trade unions first emerge?
The Industrial Revolution.
What year was the UK Trade Union Act passed?
1871
In what year was the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) adopted?
1948
During which century did Australian trade unions successfully campaign for improved labour rights, including annual leave and equal pay?
The 20th century.
What does the ITUC Global Rights Index assess each year?
It assesses countries' compliance with internationally recognised workers' rights.
What three major workplace problems led to the formation of trade unions?
Low wages, long working hours and unsafe working conditions.
What did the Trade Union Act 1871 achieve for trade unions in Britain?
It legally recognised trade unions in Britain.
Which article of the UDHR protects the right to work, equal pay and join trade unions?
Article 23
Name two workplace rights Australian trade unions campaigned for during the 20th century
Any two of the following: annual leave, penalty rates, maternity leave, equal pay, sick leave or workplace health and safety.
According to the 2023 ITUC Global Rights Index, what percentage of countries restricted workers' ability to establish or join a trade union?
77%
Why did workers need to take collective action to improve working conditions?
Individual workers had limited power, so they joined together to pressure employers to make changes.
In which decade did Australian trade unions join together to form the Australian Labour Party (ALP)?
The 1890's
What workplace rights are protected under Article 24 of the UDHR?
The right to rest and leisure, reasonable limits on working hours and periodic holidays with pay.
How did trade unions help improve maternity leave and workplace health and safety?
They campaigned for improved workplace protections and entitlements through collective action and negotiations.
Name a country identified among the worst countries for workers' rights in 2023.
Bangladesh, Myanmar and Turkey
How did the Industrial Revolution contribute to the development of workers' rights?
Poor factory conditions encouraged workers to organise and campaign for better wages, safety and working hours.
What organisation was established in 1919 to improve working conditions internationally?
The International Labour Organisation (ILO).
What does the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), adopted in 1966, help protect?
Economic, social and cultural rights, including rights relating to work, fair conditions and trade unions.
Why was collective action important in achieving changes to Australian workplace law?
Workers could combine their influence to pressure employers and governments to improve workplace conditions and laws.
What an ongoing have trade unions faced from 1966 to today?
Anti-union discrimination, restrictions on strikes and laws that limit workers' ability to organise
What was the main purpose of the first trade unions?
To protect workers' rights and improve wages and working conditions.
Which international organisation was the ILO originally associated with when it was established in 1919?
Why were international agreements important for the development of labour rights?
They established international standards and helped promote fair treatment and protection for workers.
How have Australian workers benefited from the campaigns of trade unions?
Workers gained improved wages, leave entitlements, workplace protections and safer working conditions.
According to the 2023 ITUC Global Rights Index, howare workers' rights connected to democracy?
The index reported that workers' rights and democracy are closely connected, and weakening workers' rights can undermine democracy.