Employer/employee relations: trade unions & consultation

Question 1

Employer/employee relations

Answer 1

the relationship between management and employees at national or local level

Question 2

Trade union

Answer 2

an organisation of employees that seeks to protect and improve the interests of its members. it does this by negotiating with employers on pay and conditions of work

Question 3

Industrial action

Answer 3

the measures that a union can take to put pressure on management in a dispute in order to make them change their mind about a decision

Question 4

3 examples of industrial action

Answer 4

Strike action, work to rule, refusal to work overtime

Question 5

Employee participation

Answer 5

employees have the ability to participate in the decision making process at work

Question 6

7 benefits of employee participation

Answer 6

1) increased levels of motivation
2) better communication
3) improved quality of decision making
4) complying with the law
5) reduced labour turnover and therefore reduced recruitment costs
6) fewer days lost through work-related injuries and illnesses, thus minimising lost output, fines and compensation payouts
7) the ability to manage change more effectively, thus giving the business a competitive advantage in a changing environment

Question 7

Works council

Answer 7

a formal meeting of managers and employee representatives to discuss pay and working conditions and to negotiate on issues such as changes in working practises