Industrial Relations

Question 1

Explain industrial relations

Answer 1

Industrial relations is the term used to describe the relationship between management and workers in a firm

Question 2

Who are workers usually represented by in industrial relations

Answer 2

A trade union

Question 3

Who is management usually represented by in industrial relations

Answer 3

A human resources manager

Question 4

Explain a trade union

Answer 4

An organisation of workers set up to protect and improve their conditions of employment

Question 5

What are the functions of a trade union

Answer 5

To protect members jobs
To improve members working conditions
To secure pay increases for members
To represent workers in an industrial dispute

Question 6

Name three types of trade union and an example of each

Answer 6

1. General trade union- SIPTU
2. Industrial trade union- ESBOA(electricity)
3. White Collar Trade unions (professional jobs) -ASTI

Question 7

Explain shop steward

Answer 7

A worker elected by fellow workers to represent the trade union in the workplace

Question 8

What are the functions of the shop steward

Answer 8

To recruit new members to the union
To organise the collection of union dues
To represent workers in talks with the management
To ensure all agreements between the management and the workers are honoured

Question 9

What does ICTU stand for

Answer 9

Irish congress of trade unions

Question 10

What is the ICTU and their roles

Answer 10

A representative body for most trade unions in Ireland

Negotiates national wage agreements with government on trade unions behalf
To help resolve disputes between employer and unions
To resolve inter-union disputes

Question 11

What does IBEC stand for and what do they do

Answer 11

The Irish business and employers confederation

A representative body that promotes the interests of businesses and employers in Ireland

Question 12

State some common causes of industrial disputes

Answer 12

Wages and conditions of employment
Arising from redundancy
Dismissal of workers
Arising from promoting and promotional procedure

Question 13

How are industrial disputes resolved by step

Answer 13

Workers discuss problem with their supervisor
Shop steward discusses problem with managemnet
Union official from trade union enters the discussions
A third party provides a conciliation service
Both sides agree to appoint an arbitrator
If no solution is found, take industrial action

Question 14

Explain arbitrator

Answer 14

An independent person appointed to settle disputes

Question 15

Name four forms of industrial action

Answer 15

Official strike
All out strike
Unofficial strike
Work to rule( working only to what your job description is)

Question 16

Name five institutions involved in industrial relations

Answer 16

The workplace relations commission (WRC)
Equality officers
Rights commissioners
The labour court
The employment appeals tribunal