Employment Law Flashcards
What is a trade union
An organised association of workers in a particular industry
What is the role of a trade union
Representing and protecting its members, often using bargaining power during negotiations
Advantages of being a member of a trade union
- Increase ability to negotiate
- Protect you from unfair dismissal
2 benefits of trade unionism to employer
- Save time and cost rather than dealing with individuals
- Employee morale and motivation is increased, thus so is productivity
What are some reasons for union membership decline
- Reduced employment in manufacturing and increased in services
- Growth in number of small firms, employees don’t feel they need it
- Growth In flexible working
- Increase In self-employed
What is an impact of declining trade union membership
They now have significantly less bargaining power, as well as less influence on pay
Disadvantages of trade unionism to employer
- Less negotiation power
- Time consuming negotiations
- Costs of what employees are lobbying for eg increase wage
What is an evaluation point of being in a trade union
Little evidence to suggest that it increases negotiation power or employee motivation
What are examples of legislation that effect relationship between employee and employer
- Minimum wage
- Health and safety
- Dismissal
- Date protection
- Equality
- Contracts of employment
What is a contract of employment also known as
A statement of written particulars
What is a contract of employment
A written document containing a summary of the main terms of employment, such as pay and working hours, that an employer must provide anyone who’s classed as an employee
How does a contract of employment help to prevent disputes
It states all terms and conditions of employments and so can be used to see if there is a reason for a dispute
What is meant by employer-employee relations
The relationship between management and workers at a national and local level
What are employee-employee relations also known as
Industrial relations or employment relations
What are 3 benefits of positive employer-employee relations
- Easier to manage change
- Employees likely time be more productive through respect for management
- Management know employees better and so can tailor how they treat them eg to motivate them
What are 3 negative impacts of poor employer -employee relations
- Employees will be reluctant to change so change can be time consuming
- Reduced productivity due to lack of motivation
- Manager May delegate work to an employee that does not suit them
What is the equality act
Legislation that protects people from discrimination in the work place and in wider society
What is meant by discrimination
Treating a person unfairly because they possess certain characteristics
What is meant by employee participation
Employees having the ability to participate in the decision making process at work
What is employee participation also known as
Industrial democracy
What are benefits of employee participation
- Reduce labour turnover
- Fewer days lost through absenteeism
- Implement and manage change more effectively
What is a type of employee participation
Works council
What is meant by a works council
A formal meeting of managers and employees to discuss pay and working conditions or grievances, and negotiate on issues such as change
When is a works council a legal requirement
Large multinational companies operating in the EU
What are the 3 types of industrial action
Strike - refusal to work
Overtime ban - Refusal if overtime
Working to rule - Working to terms in contract
