What I may already know: • Work can be paid or unpaid.
Learning Intentions
In this chapter, I will learn: • The difference between unpaid work, employment and volunteerism. • What self-employment is and the benefits and risks of being self-employed. • The reasons for unemployment and what help is given to unemployed people. • The difference between the public and private sectors. • The organisational structure in a workplace. • The rights and responsibilities of employers and employees. • What a trade union is and how it represents employees. • How industrial disputes can be resolved.
Key Words: Work
Unpaid work Employment Employee Employer
Self-employed
Volunteerism Labour force Unemployment Public sector Private sector
Organisational structure
Industrial relations Trade union Shop steward Strike
Mediation Conciliation
WHAT IS WORK?
When you think about doing work, you may think of studying or cleaning your bedroom. Some of you may have a part-time job. Or perhaps you are involved with a local charity. All of these things are work, as they require mental or physical effort.
i 150 Work is anything that requires effort to achieve a result.
