WAGES, INCOME AND TRADE UNION – SOCIAL STUDIES LESSON NOTE

Subject: Social Studies
Class: Primary 6
Term: First Term
Theme: National Economy
Topic: Wages, Income and Trade Union
Duration: 40 Minutes

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

1. Explain the meaning of wages and income.
2. Identify different types of income.
3. Explain the meaning of trade union.
4. Mention examples of trade unions in Nigeria.
5. State the functions of trade unions.
6. Explain the importance of fair wages to workers.

1. Meaning of Wages

Wages are the money paid to a worker by an employer in return for work done or services rendered.

Wages may be paid daily, weekly or at agreed intervals.

Examples:

• A cleaner receiving daily payment.
• A mechanic receiving payment for repairing a car.
• A construction worker receiving weekly payment.

2. Meaning of Income

Income is the money a person receives from working, doing business, providing services or investing.

Income helps people to provide their basic needs, such as food, clothing, shelter, education and healthcare.

Sources of income include:

1. Salary from employment.
2. Profit from business.
3. Rent from houses and shops.
4. Interest from savings and investments.
5. Wages from daily work.
6. Money earned from professional services.

3. Difference Between Wages and Income

• Wages: Money paid to a worker for work done.
• Income: The total money a person receives from different sources.

For example, a teacher’s monthly salary is part of her income. If she also earns money from selling books, that profit adds to her total income.

4. Meaning of Trade Union

A trade union is an organised association of workers who come together to protect their rights, promote their welfare and negotiate better working conditions and wages.

Trade unions help workers speak with one voice when discussing their interests with employers.

5. Examples of Trade Unions in Nigeria

1. Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC).
2. Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT).
3. Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
4. Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
5. National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
6. Nigeria Medical Association (NMA).

6. Functions of Trade Unions

1. They fight for better wages and salaries.
2. They protect workers from exploitation.
3. They promote good working conditions.
4. They defend workers’ rights.
5. They negotiate with employers on behalf of workers.
6. They promote unity among workers.
7. They help settle disagreements between workers and employers.
8. They encourage workers’ welfare and development.
9. They seek fair treatment for their members.
10. They represent workers during labour negotiations.

7. Reasons Why Some Workers Earn Higher Salaries Than Others

1. Level of education and qualifications.
2. Years of working experience.
3. Nature of the job.
4. Level of responsibility.
5. Skills and professional training.
6. Amount of work performed.
7. Demand for the worker’s services.
8. Employer’s ability to pay.

8. Problems Associated with Wages and Income

1. Low wages and salaries.
2. Delay in salary payment.
3. Unequal payment for similar work.
4. Unemployment.
5. Poor working conditions.
6. High cost of living.
7. Lack of promotion.
8. Exploitation of workers.

9. Importance of Fair Wages

1. It encourages workers to work harder.
2. It improves the standard of living.
3. It helps workers provide for their families.
4. It reduces poverty.
5. It promotes peace between workers and employers.
6. It improves productivity.
7. It motivates workers to remain in their jobs.

10. Ways Workers Can Address Poor Wages

1. Dialogue with employers.
2. Negotiation through trade unions.
3. Peaceful protest.
4. Submission of petitions.
5. Collective bargaining.
6. Reporting unlawful treatment to appropriate authorities.

Workers should always seek peaceful and lawful ways of resolving disagreements.

Evaluation Questions

1. What are wages?
2. Define income.
3. State three sources of income.
4. Differentiate between wages and income.
5. What is a trade union?
6. Mention five examples of trade unions in Nigeria.
7. State five functions of trade unions.
8. Give four reasons why some workers earn higher salaries than others.
9. Mention five problems associated with wages and income.
10. State four importance of fair wages.

Conclusion

Wages and income are important parts of the national economy. Every worker deserves fair treatment and reasonable payment for services rendered. Trade unions help protect workers’ interests and promote better working conditions.