2.8 role of participants in the workplace

Question 1

workplace relations

Answer 1

refers to the total interactions between employers and employees or their representatives - to achieve a set of working conditions that will meet the needs of employees (as well as allowing the business to achieve its objectives)

Question 2

internal environment participants

Answer 2

• employers
• employees
• human resource manager

Question 3

external environment

Answer 3

• trade unions
• employer associations
• the fair work commission

Question 4

employers

Answer 4

• set the parameters for negotiations of an agreement
• develop programs to assist employees in achieving business objectives
• negotiate with employees

Question 5

employees

Answer 5

• participate in negotiations for enterprise or individual agreements
• vote on any agreement negotiated on their behalf
• comply with conditions as set out in their employment agreement

Question 6

hr manager

Answer 6

• negotiate employment agreements
• train other managers and supervisors to facilitate the implementation of agreement
• ensure the implementation of all key terms of agreements
• deal with disputes and conflict that may arise during the life of an agreement

Question 7

trade union

Answer 7

• represent individual or groups of employee in negotiations for awards or agreements
• represent employees in disputes in the workplace
• lobby the government for improvement in employee conditions

Question 8

employer associations

Answer 8

• represent individual or groups of employers in negotiations for awards or agreements
• represent employers in disputes in the workplace
• lobby the government for changes to the basic conditions of employment (eg. changes to penalty rates)

Question 9

fair work commission

Answer 9

• approves agreements reached at the enterprise level, ensuring all parties comply with those agreements
• resolve disputes between an employer and the employees when no agreement can be reached
• sets minimum wage level for lowest paid workers