Emerging Issues in the World of Work: Implications for Women Workers, Women Unionists and Trade Unions

Abstract

In most parts of the world, women now constitute a substantial portion of the active participants in the global labour market. Women have qualitative representation in all sectors of work and have made appreciable inroads in professions hitherto and traditionally dominated by men. Equally noticeable is the attendant participation of women in trade union activities as a result of the perception that unions are genuine tools for protecting and advancing women issues. Trade unions are in the forefront of promoting equity by advocating for safe workplaces for women to work, learn and develop. .

Although, women are now competing favorably and equally in all spheres and there abounds evidence everywhere of women advancement at work, emerging trends in the world of work seems unfavorable to workers. These trends have impacted more negatively on women workers and trade unions constitute a veritable bulwark to palliate these deleterious effects. We will examine these effects within the context of the workplace and its connection with social and economic development paying attention to women career advancement and women in trade unionism. Then the paper will evaluate the prevalent forms of work and emerging issues and their implications on women workers.