1. Intro to Workplace Relations: Trade Unions | Union Duties | Public Duties Flashcards
Industrial relations is?
the relationship between the management & employees
and the role of a regulatory body to resolve any industrial dispute
What 7 areas does Industrial Relations encompass?
regulatory body to resolve industrial disputes
collective bargaining
the role of management, unions & Government
labour legislation
workers grievances
disciplinary procedures
industrial relations training
What are 4 key advantages of excellent Industrial Relations?
when relationships between workers & managers are excellent you get
increased productivity
increased morale
reduced industrial disputes
reduced waste (man hours, machinery, materials)
What 4 things does a union need to do to become recognised by an employer?
write a letter asking to be voluntarily recognised
have name of the union on it
names of employees will be represented by the union when its recognised
state the request under Schedule A1 of the Trade Union & Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992
When certain employees have been identified to be represented by a union what is the group also called?
the collective bargaining unit
How many days does an employee have to respond to a written request for a union to be recognised?
10 days
What are an employers 3 options when they have been given a written letter for the request of a union to be recognised?
accept - agree to recognise the union voluntarily & begin collective bargaining
reject - the request, the union may then reapply for statutory recognition
negotiate - reject the initial request but agree to negotiate
If an employer refuses a written request for a union to be recognised but agrees to negotiate, how many days does the employer have to come to an agreement?
20 working days or longer if the union agrees
If an employer refuses a written request for a union to be recognised but agrees to negotiate what 2 things will be under negotiation?
which employees are in the bargaining unit
whether the union will be recognised for collective bargaining
When a union has made a written request to be recognised, how many days does the employer have to suggest ACAS are brought in to assist with negotiations?
10 days
Under what circumstances would a union that’s in the process of seeking recognition from their employer need to apply to the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC) AND what are they applying for?
if an agreement can’t be reached on either the employees to be represented or recognition of union
then the union can apply for statutory recognition
The Trades Union Certificate Officer is responsible for what 6 things regarding trade unions & employers associations?
maintaining a list
checking annual returns
checking political funds
checking merger rules are followed
ensuring independence of trade unions
investigating election & ballot results complaints
What is an employer’s association?
its support & advice to employers about employees to understand their rights and obligations in the workplace
What are the 4 main “areas” that a trade union rep can go into?
a shop steward
a health & safety rep
a union learning rep
other trade union official
What are 5 examples of trade union “duties” that reps have the right to be paid time off for?
negotiating pay
helping union members with disciplinary or grievance cases
going with union members to meetings with their line manager to discuss flexible working requests
discussing any issues that affect union members like redundancies or the sale of a business
all duties of a learning rep
