Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Business
Lesson Topic: the impact on employers and employees of trade union involvement in the workplace including their role in collective bargaining
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe how trade‑union involvement affects employers and employees.
  • Analyse the positive and negative impacts of union activity on workplace relations.
  • Explain the stages of collective bargaining and the role of unions in each stage.
  • Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of collective bargaining for both parties.
  • Apply knowledge to a case study by identifying appropriate union strategies.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Handout summarising impacts and bargaining stages
  • Sample collective bargaining agreement excerpt
  • Sticky notes for group activity
  • Laptop with internet access for research
 Introduction:
Begin with a short video clip of a recent strike and ask students what they think prompted the action. Connect this to prior learning about employee rights and workplace communication. Explain that by the end of the lesson they will be able to identify how trade unions influence both employers and employees and outline the collective bargaining process.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5’) – Students write quick responses to “What would you gain or lose if you joined a union?” and share briefly.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – Define trade unions and present positive/negative impacts for employers and employees using the provided tables.
  3. Group analysis (15’) – Small groups complete a T‑chart of impacts from a handout, then present one key point each.
  4. Collective bargaining walkthrough (12’) – Teacher guides through the four stages, using a sample agreement excerpt; students role‑play a brief negotiation.
  5. Advantages/disadvantages debate (10’) – Two teams argue the pros and cons of collective bargaining, moderated by the teacher.
  6. Check for understanding (5’) – Quick quiz (Kahoot or exit ticket) on key concepts.
  7. Summary & homework (3’) – Recap main ideas and assign a short reflection on how unions could affect a chosen industry.
Conclusion:
Summarise that trade unions can both enhance employee voice and create costs for employers, and that collective bargaining seeks a balanced agreement. Students complete an exit ticket stating one benefit and one drawback for each side. For homework, they research a recent real‑world bargaining case and prepare a brief report.