INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS We will look at: Definitions of Trade Unions and Shop Stewards What is Industrial Relations and its practices Industrial Relations Disputes and Procedures Labour Relations Commission and Labour Court

Questions to Consider 1.What is the definition of (a) Trade Union (b) Shop Steward (c) Industrial Relations 2.Give 3 functions of a Trade Union 3.The difference between good/bad industrial relations 4.Types of Industrial Relation disputes 5.Steps in resolving disputes 6.Key Definitions

Trade Unions A Trade Union is an organisation that represents employees in their workplace. It is set up to protect the rights of employees and to negotiate to management on their behalf. Example: SIPTU,TUI, Note- Irish Congress of Trade Unions represents most Trade Unions in Ireland. It negotiates on behalf of its members with the government Functions of a Trade Union Protect jobs Improve working conditions Secure pay increases Represent workers in an industrial dispute

Trade Union Information Video

Shop Stewards No they are not people who work in a shop!!! A Shop Steward is someone who represents the Trade Union in the workplace, a staff member who is elected by staff members to represent them The Shop Stewards duties include representing members in meetings with management and collecting Trade Union fees (subscriptions)

What is industrial relations? Industrial Relations is the term used to describe the relationship between managers and workers of a business. Good industrial relations happens when employers and employees work together It is important for: Workers can discuss and solve problems Increases job satisfaction – (think about when your happy) Increase in productivity could lead to increased profits and wages (Footballers contracts/ Record deals)

What if industrial relations are bad? Lack of co-operation and getting work done Lack of job satisfaction A poor public image- nobody would want to work there Industrial Action- example strikes or work to rule

WHEN THINGS GO WRONG- INDUSTRIAL DISPUTES

Sample Causes of Industrial Disputes Dispute about wages/conditions of employment Redundancies Unfair treatment and discrimination Unfair Dismissal of workers

Forms of Industrial Disputes Official Strike- notice is given, a ballot is held and a strike takes place Unofficial Strike- Workers go on strike without permission from Trade Union, so will not receive pay from Trade Union Work to Rule- Only do the necessary work and no extras

Ways to Resolve Industrial Disputes Step 1: Discuss the problem with Shop Steward who meets with HR Manager Step 2: If that is unsuccessful, a third party is brought in to provide conciliation service- a meeting in front of an unbiased third party Step 3: Both sides present their case to an Arbitrator from the Labour Court- a referred to independent person who acts like a referee and recommends a solution Step 4: If that fails, this may lead to industrial action

Labour Relations Commission and Labour Court The LRC was set up in 1990 under the Industrial Relations Act 1990 to improve employer/employee relations and acts as a conciliation service The Labour Court is a body set up and used in an attempt to resolve disputes that could not be resolved by the Labour Relations Commission

Role Play