1. Learning Objectives TOPIC: Topic 2: Human Resources
LESSON TITLE: Employee Relations Methods
COMPETENCY FOCUS:
Research (I1): you will develop your skills in research as throughout this topic, you will need to research the role of human resource in HRM, the different job roles that exist within an organisation and also the recruitment & selection documentation that the organisation uses to help recruit the right people for their vacant job roles.
[IB Learner Profile Development: Open-minded]
Learning Objectives
By the end of the lesson, you should be able to…
LO1) Identify the methods used to achieve employer and employee objectives
LO2) Explain using examples, the methods used to achieve employer and employee objectives
LO3) Examine the methods used to put pressure on employees.
SMSC: You will assess the organisational culture of businesses in terms of fundamental structure, purpose and strategy development.
CRITICAL THINKING KEY:
Knowledge Application Analysis Evaluation

2. Action taken by employees
UNIONS
The objs of TUs include increased pay, improved working conditions and increased job security.
Unions employ a number of methods to ‘encourage’ employers to accept their demands on behalf of the employee, including:
Negotiations
Go Slow
Work to Rule
Overtime Bans
Strike Action

3. Action taken by employers to settle disputes
Negotiations
Public relations
Threat of redundancies
Changes of contract
Closure
Lock-outs

4. Research Task
Research each of the actions and describe what each one means. [30mins]

5. Strategies to reduce conflict
Single-union Agreement
An employer recognises and deals with just one union for the purpose of collective bargaining.
No-strike Agreements
Unions agree to sign an agreement with employers not to strike in exchange for greater involvement in decisions that affect the workforce.

6. Strategies to reduce conflict
Conciliation/Arbitration
The use of a third party (such as ACAS in the UK) in industrial disputes to encourage both employer and union to discuss and acceptable compromise solution.
Employee participation & Industrial Democracy
Attempt at avoiding disputes by achieving a closer working relationship and involving employees in decisions such as work council, industrial democracy.

7. Reflection
Reflect on what you have learnt this lesson. What do you need to know more about?