19: Effective employer-employee relations

Question 1

Employee groups:

Answer 1

Forums made up of employee representatives from selected areas of the business and representatives of the employers.

Question 2

Trade union:

Answer 2

An organisation of employees, which acts collectively in dealings with management for mutual protection and assistance and is often concerned with wages and conditions of employment.

Question 3

Works council:

Answer 3

A committee representing the employer and elected employee representatives of a plant or business meeting to discuss working conditions, grievances and pay.

Question 4

Industrial dispute:

Answer 4

A disagreement between employers and employees/employee representatives over an employee- related issue.

Question 5

Acas:

Answer 5

An independent and impartial organisation established to avoid and resolve industrial disputes and build harmonious relationships at work.

Question 6

Industrial action:

Answer 6

Sanctions imposed by workers to put pressure on a business during an industrial dispute, including overtime ban, work to rule, go slow and ultimately strike action.

Question 7

Conciliation:

Answer 7

An independent third party encourages continued discussion between those in disagreement to reach a compromise and resolve their dispute.

Question 8

Arbitration:

Answer 8

Where no agreement can be found between parties in dispute, they agree to accept the judgement of an independent third party.