participants in workplace relations

Question 1

define workplace relations

Answer 1

area of business that manages relationship between the employer and employee with issues related to wages, employment conditions and grievances.

Question 2

importance of workplace relations

Answer 2

aims to achieve an optimum working relationship between employees and management. creates optimum. worker and business productivity levels.

Question 3

unions

Answer 3

unions can be called upon to offer advice or represent an employee during times of a workplace dispute. unions normally have employees from a large. number of businesses.

Question 4

what is a shop steward

Answer 4

each business will often vote in an employee to act as a union representative, also known as a shop steward.

Question 5

employer associations

Answer 5

an organisation that provides support and representation to employers in the area of workplace relations. similar to unions for employers.

Question 6

3 types of employer associations

Answer 6

industry associations, professional associations, broad base or peak bodies.

Question 7

broad base or peak bodies

Answer 7

large numbers of employers from varied industry types. eg, Australian industry group

Question 8

professional associations

Answer 8

made up of members of a professions such as the Australian medical association.

Question 9

industry associations

Answer 9

made up of employers in the same industry, such as master builders association.

Question 10

role of employer associations

Answer 10

represent employers in industrial relations commissions cases and advise employers of their rights and obligations

Question 11

role of the government

Answer 11

they influence through enactment of legislation controlling how it is conducted. laws have been passed that directly affect the employer-employee relationships in areas such as OH&S, equal opportunities and working conditions

Question 12

what is the fair work commission

Answer 12

a government body that deals with the resolution of industrial disputes, and acts as an independent umpire in setting minimum wages and employment conditions. has the power to make legally binding decisions relating to workplace relations.

Question 13

what is the fair work commission responsible for

Answer 13

providing assistance with resolution of workplace disputes, providing support for enterprise bargaining ensuring the process is fair