Employer Employee Relationship

Question 1

Employee Representation

Answer 1

Where employees are part of a formal structure that involves them is business decision making.

Question 2

Reasons for employee representation

Answer 2

• Make employees views known to management
• Strengthen management and employees understanding of workplace issues
• Help create an atmosphere of mutual trust

Question 3

Advantages of employee representation

Answer 3

• Increased empowerment and motivation in the workplace
• Lower risk of industrial disputes

Question 4

Disadvantages of employee representation

Answer 4

• Time consuming - potentially slows decision making
• Managers may feel their authority is being undermined

Question 5

Work councils

Answer 5

EU legislation makes these mandatory for firms that operate in two or more EU countries and have more than 1,000 employees

Question 6

Typical agenda for a works council

Answer 6

• Business objectives and performance
• Workforce planning issues
• Employee welfare issues

Question 7

Role of Trade Unions

Answer 7

• Protect and improve the incomes of their members
• Provide or improve job security
• Lobby for better working conditions

Question 8

Advantage of employer good relations with trade unions

Answer 8

• Negotiating with trade unions saves time and cost
• Employees may be more motivated knowing that their jobs are protected by their union
• The trade union can be a supportive partner in helping a business undergo significant change