Chapter 26 - Industrial Relations☀️ Flashcards
Explain industrial relations.
The relationship that exists between employers and employees in a particular workplace
Explain trade union
An organisation of workers whose main objectives are to protect the jobs of their members and improve their pay and conditions.
Explain shop steward.
The person elected by the trade union members to represent them in the workplace.
Explain conciliation
Two sides in dispute are brought together to discus a problem and try to reach a solution they both accept.
Explain arbitration.
When an independent person e.g. Labour Court, listens to both sides of a dispute and makes a decision on how the dispute should be solved.
What are the functions of trade unions?
- Try and improve members working conditions.
- Try and increase members pay
- Stand up for their members if they are involved in a trade dispute with their employer
Give an example of a trade union.
Professional/White Collar: e.g. Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO)
What are the functions of a shop steward?
- To encourage workers to join the trade union
2. Help workers solve any problems they may have with their employer.
What are the causes of trade disputes?
- Pay
- Dismissal - Firing can cause problems
- Discrimination - Some treated badly more then others
Name and explain 5 types of strikes
- Official Strike: Secret vote; one weeks notice
- Unofficial Strike: No agreement with union
- Sympathetic Strike: Support other colleagues with problems
- Lightening Strike: For something that just happened
- Work to Rule: Only do bare essentials at work
What are the steps in solving a trade dispute?
- Employee discusses problem with Shop Steward who tells management
- Conciliation - Third Party, Labour Relations Commission brings parties together
- Arbitration - Third Party, Labour Court makes a decision which parties usually accept.
