Social Workers, Labor Relations, and Democracy
Social Workers and Labor Relations
Democracy is a system where power resides in all members of a group, making decisions collectively. It’s a form of government where the people, directly or indirectly, legitimize representatives. Broadly, it’s a social interaction where members are free and equal, with relationships based on agreements.
Unions: A Democratic Worker Organization
A union is a democratic organization of workers defending their social, economic, and professional interests. It aims to improve members’ welfare and create bargaining power through unity. Workers have the freedom to join, not join, or leave unions without interference. This is a basic human right.
Business Organizations (Employers)
In labor relations, the employer is the group making decisions about hiring, working conditions, and dismissals. The employer creates jobs to be filled by employees under their authority through an employment contract.
Social Dialogue: Communication and Negotiation
Social dialogue involves communication, consultation, and negotiation between governments, employers, and unions on common issues. It also refers to horizontal relationships between the state and civil society organizations to address social problems and develop consensus-based solutions. Social dialogue includes all actions between social actors, including the State.
Social Partnership and Collective Bargaining
Social partnership is a tripartite dialogue between government, employers, and unions. Collective bargaining is a bipartite dialogue between employers and workers.
Corporatism: Government Intervention in Labor
Corporatism is a doctrine advocating government intervention in labor disputes through associations of employers and employees. Modern corporatism promotes an economic system based on the unification of all trade union organizations within the State. It was a feature of National Socialist regimes, emphasizing unions and planned economies. It should be distinguished from government policies favoring corporations in modern capitalist systems.
Welfare State: Social Guarantees for All
The welfare state is a model where the state provides social services and guarantees to all citizens. It’s a practical category for how the state can or should operate.