Industrial Relations

Question 1

Industrial relations

Answer 1

The quality of the relationship between employers and employees

Question 2

Trade Union

Answer 2

An interest group that supports and represents employees in the workplace. To be a member, an employee pays an annual subscription (1% of wages) to join the union
Example: Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI)

Question 3

Labour Relations Committee

Answer 3

Set up under the Industrial Relations Act, 1990

• Assist in settling trade disputes and promote industrial relations
• Reduce the number of industrial conflicts coming before the labour court

Question 4

Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT)

Answer 4

This is an independent body responsible for implementing employee’s rights

Question 5

Shop steward

Answer 5

A shop steward is a worker and trade union member that has been elected by co-workers as their representatives in a workplace

• Communicates between trade union and employer
• Recruit new members
• Provide information for new members

Question 6

Constructive Dismissal

Answer 6

Illegal.
When an employee resigns due to their employer’s unfair behaviour towards them. The employee feels that they have no option but to resign.
Employee should take a case to the Rights Commissioner.