Industrial Relations
Prepared by Gillian Feighery, SHS, Tullamore Co. Offaly
Industrial Relations
Is the relationship which exists between employers and employees. It is most important that this relationship is good.
Trade Unions
An organisation formed by workers to protect the interests of their members.
Shop Steward
Is the local union representative and is elected by members for a term of 1 to 5 years
Main Duties Recruit new members Act as a link between members and union headquarters Negotiate with an employer on behalf of members
1. 2. 3.
DISMISSAL OF WORKERS ENSURING THAT EMPLOYEES ARE FAIRLY DISMISSED REDUNDANCY WHAT EMPLOYEES ARE LAID OFF FIRSTLAST IN FIRST OUT (LIFO) DEMARCATION ONLY DOING THE WORK ONE IS EMPLOYED AND QUALIFIED TO DO
the problem. 2. The shop steward and HRM discuss the problem. 3. A top union official and management discuss the problem.
4. Conciliation: A 3rd party eg Labour Relations Commission, brings both parties together. 5. Arbitration A 3rd party such as the Labour Court is asked to make a decision, which the disputing parties must agree to.
It appoints Rights Commissioners. Investigates disputes concerning individual workers or small group of workers It appoints equality officers. Investigates disputes on issues of equality and discrimination in the workplace.
Labour Court:
Functions Is a court of last resort and final appeal Investigates disputes that cannot be settled Registers employment agreements
Conciliation
A 3rd party/ LRC or mediator brings both sides of a dispute together and helps them find a resolution The proposal of the conciliator is not binding in industrial relations
Arbitration
Both parties to a dispute agree in advance to the decision of a 3rd party. e.g. Labour court.