Bargaining Power of Trade Union



Bargaining power of Trade Union is referred as the strength of Trade Union.  
This strength is depending on the following factors 


Elasticity of Demand of the product they produce:  If the demand for the product they produce is inelastic then the bargaining power of trade union is more if not the trade union will be weaker.
Profit level: as profit level increases the strength of trade union will also increase whereas loss to the firm will decrease the strength of trade union.
Total production and productivity of labour: If the production and productivity increases strength of trade union will also increase as increased production and productivity indicates profit to firm.
Possibility of use of machines:( Availability of substitution to the worker’s works) If it is possible for the machine to work for the labour, then the trade union will reduce its bargaining power, and vice versa.
The percentage of employees’ wages in total cost: small percentage of wages in total cost shows higher profit and it will influence the bargaining power of the trade union.
 The status of economy (boom, recovery): During the period of boom there will be more demand for goods and services, which in turn increases productivity and hence the bargaining power of the trade union also will increase.
Total members in the trade union: If the members from the industry  are more in a trade union the bargaining power will be more or if members are less vice versa