What are the potential disadvantages of Trades Unions?

1. Creates UnemploymentIf labour markets are competitive, and trade unions are successful in pushing for higher wages, it can cause disequilibrium unemployment. Union members can benefit from higher wages, but outside the union, there will be higher unemployment.2. Lost ProductivityIf unions go on strike and work unproductively (work to rule) it can lead to lost sales and output. Therefore their company may go out of business and be unable to employ workers at all. In many industries, trade unions have created a situation of a confrontational approach.

AP
Answered by Anish P. Economics tutor

12459 Views

See similar Economics A Level tutors

Related Economics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain why the use of petrol and diesel cars may be a source of market failure. [15]


Evaluate the impact of the increase in the number of public sector employees on the UK economy (12)


How can the concept of opportunity cost be explained on different aspects of the economy?


'Is Economic growth purely beneficial?'


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning