UNDERSTANDING LABOUR RELATIONS & HEALTH AND SAFETY

Objectives of Labour relation To protect the interest of workers and management through mutual understanding and relationship To avoid industrial disputes so as to develop a healthy work environment To improve quality of work life of workers To increase performance through reducing labour turnover and frequent absenteeism To provide constructive criticism of the management. To protect the workers against harmful effect on heir health, safety through enactment of different legislation. In the broader perspective, labour laws aim at maintaining social equity, International uniformity, and help in advancing the economic growth of the country.

 Union organizing  Collective bargaining  Grievance Management Phases of Labor Relations

Union: Organization of workers, acting collectively, seeking to protect and promote their mutual interest through collective bargaining. OR Organization formed for purpose of representing members’ interests in dealing with employers

Unions Defined Organization of workers Acting collectively Seeking mutual interest –Protection –Promotion Through collective bargaining

Why Employee Join Union

oHigher wages and Benefits. oGreater Job Security. oInfluence over Work Rules. oCompulsory Membership. oUpsets with management.

Union Organizing process Unorganized Authorization card campaign :did union get & or more Petition NLRB for election: Are authorization cards in order Vote taken: Did union receive a majority vote Certification Bargaining Unit NO No union vote for one year

Authorization Card A card signed by prospective union members indicating that they are interested in having a union election held at their work site. Representative Certification (RC) The election process whereby union members vote IN a union as their representative. Representative decertification (RD) The election process whereby union members vote OUT a union as their representative.

Collective Bargaining

The negotiation, administration, and interpretation of a written agreement between two parties, at least one of which represents a group that is acting collectively, that covers a specific period of time

Collective Bargaining Steps or Process

Preparation for negotiation Contract negotiation Agreement Union Ratification Contract administration Yes No

Failure to reach Agreement

Picketing Striking Boycotting Boycott Our Employer This Union On Strike Unfair On Strike Don’t Buy Here

Some Important Terms Complaint –Indication of employee dissatisfaction Grievance –A complaint formally stated in writing Grievance Procedures –Formal channels used to resolve grievances. Grievance Arbitration –The means by which a third party settles disputes arising from different interpretations of a labor contract.

Employee communication One of the most effective way used for employee communication is Employee Handbook that serves as a permanent reference guide –Employee handbook is a booklet describing important aspects of employment an employee needs to know

Health and Safety Health –A general state of physical, mental and emotional well being Safety & Security –Condition in which the physical well being of people is protected –Protection of employers and organizational facilities

Responsibilities regarding Health and Safety

Responsibilities and Rights of Employers Responsibilities of Employers Compliance with acts and regulations Provision of a hazard free workplace Recording and reporting Safety training Due diligence Rights of Employers Seek advice and consultation

Duties of workers Comply with acts and regulations Report hazards Follow employer H & S rules Right to refuse unsafe work Responsible for their own safety. Responsible for the safety of others who may be affected by their work. Co-operate with their employer in matters relating to health & safety.