Chapter 26~Industrial Relations

Question 1

Trade union?

Answer 1

An organisation of workers whose main objectives are to protect the jobs of their members and improve their pay and conditions

Question 2

Conciliation?

Answer 2

Two sides in a dispute are brought together to discuss a problem and try to reach a solution that both accept

Question 3

Arbitration?

Answer 3

Where an independent person e.g the labour court

Question 4

3 requirements for a good industrial relations to occur

Answer 4

• employers and employees have a respect for each other’s rights
• workers receive fair pay for a fair day’s work
• good working conditions e.g a safe environment

Question 5

One impact of good industrial relations

Answer 5

Workers will be well motivated

Question 6

One impact of poor industrial relations

Answer 6

Employees are discontented

Question 7

Three functions of trade unions

Answer 7

• try and improve members working conditions
• protect the jobs of their members by doing all that they can to stop workers from being made redundant or soft
• try and increase members pay

Question 8

Four types of trade unions in Ireland

Answer 8

• craft: members are skilled in particular trade and usually have served an apprenticeship
• industrial: represents the workers in one industry
• General: one union represents workers from many different industries
• Professional/White collar: members are are all professional people e.g. teachers

Question 9

Two functions of the shop Steward

Answer 9

1) to encourage workers to join the trade union

2) to collect trade union membership fees from the workers (union dues)

Question 10

Three causes of industrial relations disputes

Answer 10

• pay: disagreements between workers and management over pay
• discrimination: if the employer treats someone less favourably than others
• working conditions: demand for improvements in health and safety issues

Question 11

Three types of strikes

Answer 11

• official strike: trade union organises a secret vote where members decide whether or not to go on strike
• sympathetic strike: workers who do not have a problem with their employer go on strike to support their colleagues
• unofficial strike: workers decide to go on strike without the agreement of their trade union or ICTU

Question 12

functions of Labour relations commission

Answer 12

• conciliation service: two sides and in dispute are brought together to discuss the problem and try to reach a solution that they except

Question 13

Conciliation v Arbitration

Answer 13

Conciliation is a 3rd party, the Labour relations commission or Mediator brings both sides of a dispute together to help them find a resolution
But
Arbitration is when the both parties in a dispute present their case to an independent body or Labour Court which recommends a solution

Question 14

ICTU

Answer 14

Irish congress of trade unions

Question 15

IBEC

Answer 15

Irish business employers confederation