250 likes | 385 Views
Working Life. Industrial Relations. Industrial Relations. Is the relationship which exists between employers and employees. It is most important that this relationship is good. Good Industrial Relations Lead To:. Discussions taking place on an ongoing basis
E N D
Working Life Industrial Relations
Industrial Relations Is the relationship which exists between employers and employees. It is most important that this relationship is good.
Good Industrial Relations Lead To: Discussions taking place on an ongoing basis Disputes over wages, working conditions and promotion can be settled without a strike
Poor Industrial Relations Disputes and strikes Loss of pay for employees Loss of profits for employers Unhappy workers looking for new jobs
Trade Unions An organisation formed by workers to protect the interests of their members.
Functions of a Trade Union Protect the rights of their members Negotiate wages and salaries Negotiate work conditions Represent members at National Pay Agreements
Benefits of joining a Trade union Higher standard of living for members- better wages and conditions Greater job security if union is powerful Increased bargaining power, one voice for all worker Protection against discrimination or unfair dismissal
Types of Trade Unions Industrial Unions: members work in the same industry eg banking (IBOA) or nursing,(INO Irish Nurses Organisation) Craft Unions: members belong to a particular trade and have served an apprenticeship eg Brick and Stonelayers Trade union
Types of Trade Unions White Collar Unions: members are usually professional eg teachers unions ASTI, TUI, INTO General Unions: members come from a variety of occupations eg SIPTU (Services, Industrial, Professional and Technical Union)
Shop Steward Is the local union representative and is elected by members for a term of 1 to 5 years Main Duties • Recruit new members • Act as a link between members and union headquarters • Negotiate with an employer on behalf of members
Industrial Relations Disputes PAY • EXTRA PAY FOR WORK DONE WORKING CONDITIONS • SAFER WORK AREAS • e.g. CLASS SIZES, HOLIDAYS….
DISMISSAL OF WORKERS • ENSURING THAT EMPLOYEES ARE FAIRLY DISMISSED REDUNDANCY • WHAT EMPLOYEES ARE LAID OFF FIRST- LAST IN FIRST OUT (LIFO) DEMARCATION • ONLY DOING THE WORK ONE IS EMPLOYED AND QUALIFIED TO DO
INDUSTRIAL ACTION BY UNIONS Work to rule: where employees will only do the exact work they were employed to do Go Slow: where employees do their work but do so as slowly as possible Overtime ban: where employees refuse to do any overtime required by their employer Strike: where workers stop working and place a picket on the employer. If the strike is official it will have the backing of the union and the ICTU
How to Resolve an Industrial Dispute Workers and the supervisor discuss the problem. The shop steward and HRM discuss the problem. A top union official and management discuss the problem.
4. Conciliation: A 3rd party eg Labour Relations Commission, brings both parties together. 5. Arbitration A 3rd party such as the Labour Court is asked to make a decision, which the disputing parties must agree to.
Functions of Labour Relations Commission Conciliation Service: parties are brought together, and are encouraged to come up with a settlement themselves. Advisory Service: LRC offers advice to employers and employees on Industrial relations matters
It appoints Rights Commissioners. Investigates disputes concerning individual workers or small group of workers It appoints equality officers. Investigates disputes on issues of equality and discrimination in the workplace.
Labour Court: Functions • Is a court of last resort and final appeal • Investigates disputes that cannot be settled • Registers employment agreements
Conciliation A 3rd party/ LRC or mediator brings both sides of a dispute together and helps them find a resolution The proposal of the conciliator is not binding in industrial relations
Arbitration Both parties to a dispute agree in advance to the decision of a 3rd party. e.g. Labour court.
National Wage Agreement Is a pay agreement between the social partners eg ICTU (workers), IBEC (employers) and the Government. It is binding on all employers and employees in the country.
Local Wage Agreement When each employer negotiates with their own employees on pay and conditions.
Equal Opportunities Employer It is illegal to discriminate on the grounds of marital status, gender, family status, religious belief, age, disability. Race, membership of traveller community, sexual orientation There must be equal pay for men and women
Recap and Review Industrial relations Trade Unions and Shop Steward ICTU IBEC Causes of Industrial Relations Disputes Industrial Action Resolving a Dispute Equal Opportunities