Participants in the workplace Flashcards
Workplace relations
Is the area of the business that manages the relationship between the employer and the employee in respect to issues related to wages, employment conditions and grievances.
human resource manager
The role of the human resource manager is to manage the relationship between the employer and the employees. This role includes:
• administration of day-to-day procedures insuring employees receive correct wages and entitlements
• Negotiating employment agreements – they will represent the employer in negotiations and try and come to an agreement that strengthens the position of the business while keeping the employee group satisfied and motivated with their wage and conditions
• Participation in the dispute resolution procedures are followed to help resolve a dispute in a quick and a fair matter
• Responding to workplace relations queries from employees and management
Employees
The employees are responsible for completing within the business with the aim of achieving objectives. they not only expect their wages and conditions but also expect to be provided with interesting work
• The employees are often involved in the negotiation of a new agreement. Often they will have an expert represent them, however they are involved with providing information on what they want in the new agreement.
• They are then involved in voting for or against the terms in a new agreement. Once it has been approved and implemented, the employees are expected to carry out the terms, stipulated in the agreements
Employer assosication
employer associations are advisory bodies who assist employees in understanding and upholding legal business obligations. they are organisation that provides advice, support and representation to employers in the area of workplace relations. There are three types of employer associations:
• Industry associations – are made up of employers from the same industry
• Professional associations – made up of members of a profession such as Australia’s medical Association
• Broadbase or peak bodies – comprised of large members of employees from varied industry types.
The role of employer Association is to represent employers in industrial relations commission cases, represent employees during collective bargaining over wages and conditions, and advise employers of their rights in obligations.
Unions
unions are organisations composed of individuals who represent and speak on behalf of employees in a particular industry to protect and improve their wages and working conditions.
• Employees who choose to join the union pay an annual subscription fee. The union then:
o Negotiate and bargains on their behalf during the collective bargaining process
o Argues employees case during hearings and determines awards
o Provide support and advice to local union shop stewards and workers at the workplace level
o Provides assistance and support to individual workers
o Provide information to members on matters relevant to their workplace situations
The fair work commission
The fair work commission is a government body that deals with the resolution of industrial disputes, and acts as an independent umpire in setting minimum wages and employment conditions for industries across Australia. The fair work commission has the power to make a legally binding decisions and orders relating to workplace relations.
• It is responsible for:
o Creating and maintaining a safety net of minimum wages and working conditions. These are set out in 122 industry and occupations awards. An award covers all employees in an Industry and set out minimum wages and conditions all employers are legally obliged to provide
o Providing assistance with resolution of workplace disputes
o Providing support for enterprise bargaining, insuring the process is fair
o When a new agreement is agreed upon by an employer and the employees, it must go to the fair work commission for approval. They insure that both sides bargained with good faith, and that the wages and conditions do not go below any of the minimum standard set for the industry
