Chapter 3 Industrial Conflict

Question 1

What is a trade dispute?

Answer 1

A disagreement between employers and employees related to employment conditions, as defined by the Industrial Relations Act 1990.

Question 2

Name two common causes of industrial disputes.

Answer 2

1. Pay and Working Conditions – Disagreements over wages, overtime, or safety. 2. Unfair Dismissal – Employees believe they were fired unfairly.

Question 3

What is the role of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC)?

Answer 3

1. Conciliation – Mediates disputes between employers and employees. 2. Advisory Services – Helps prevent conflicts before they arise. 3. Investigations – Examines breaches of employment law. 4. Adjudication – Issues decisions on workplace complaints.

Question 4

What does the Labour Court do?

Answer 4

1. Hears appeals from WRC decisions. 2. Investigates disputes and provides recommendations. 3. Provides binding arbitration in certain cases.

Question 5

What are two legal forms of industrial action?

Answer 5

1. Official Strike – Employees stop working after a secret ballot and giving 7 days’ notice. 2. Work-to-Rule – Employees do only their exact job description.

Question 6

Name two illegal types of industrial action.

Answer 6

1. Wildcat Strike – A sudden, unofficial strike without notice. 2. Political Strike – Protest against government policies.

Question 7

What are the steps employees should take before engaging in industrial action?

Answer 7

1. Internal Negotiation – Discuss the issue with management. 2. Conciliation (WRC) – A neutral third party helps resolve the dispute. 3. Secret Ballot – Employees must vote in favor of action. 4. Seven Days’ Notice – The employer must be informed before action begins.

Question 8

What is the difference between a primary and a secondary picket?

Answer 8

• Primary Picket – Employees protest legally outside their own workplace. - Secondary Picket – Only legal if the second business is directly involved in the dispute.

Question 9

What does the Industrial Relations Act 1990 require for a strike to be legal?

Answer 9

1. Secret Ballot – Employees must vote before striking. 2. Seven Days’ Notice – Employers must be given advance notice. 3. Peaceful Picketing – Protests must follow legal guidelines.

Question 10

What are two non-legislative methods of resolving industrial disputes?

Answer 10

1. Negotiation – Direct discussions between employees and employers. 2. Conciliation (WRC) – A neutral third party helps both sides reach an agreement.