3.6.5

Question 1

what is employee representation?

Answer 1

• arises when employees are part of a formal structure for involving them in the decision making process of a business

Question 2

what are advantages of employee representation?

Answer 2

• increased empowerment and motivation of the workforce
• employees become more committed to the business objectives and strategy
• better decision making
• lower risk of industrial disputes

Question 3

what are some disadvantages of employee representation?

Answer 3

• time consuming- potentially slows decision making
• managers may feel their authority is being undermined
• conflicts between employer and employee interests may be a block to essential change

Question 4

what are the main roles of trade unions?

Answer 4

• protect and improve the incomes of their members
• provide or improve job security
• protect workers against unfair dismissal and other issues relating to employment legislation
• lobby for better working conditions
• offer a range of other work related services

Question 5

what are the two main functions of a trade union?

Answer 5

• to represent and protect the interests of employees
• to negotiate on behalf of employees with employers

Question 6

what is mediation?

Answer 6

• involves an independent person helping two or more people or groups reach a solution thats acceptable to everyone
• the aim is to restore and maintain the employment relationship

Question 7

what is conciliation?

Answer 7

• used when an employee is making, or could make, a specific complaint against their employer to an employment tribunal
• the conciliator discusses the issues with both parties in order to help them reach a better understanding of each others position

Question 8

what is arbitration?

Answer 8

• an alternative to a court of law
• involves an impartial outsider being asked to make a decision on a dispute
• arbitrator makes a decision based in evidence presented by both parties
• arbitration is voluntary, so both parties must agree to go to arbitration
• often used in disputes between employers and trade unions iver collective bargaining issues (e.g. pay awards)