Chap 3: Resolving Conflict In The Workplace

Question 1

What is industrial relations?

Answer 1

Industrial relations refers to the relationships between the employer and employee in an organisation

Question 2

Benefits of positive industrial relations

Answer 2

1. Recruitment and retention
2. Employee motivation
3. Intrapreneurship
4. Change in the workplace made easier
5. Reduce risk of industrial action

Question 3

Causes of industrial relations conflict

Answer 3

1. Pay
2. Working conditions
3. New technologies
4. Redundancy
5. Trade union recognition
6. Discrimination (treat someone less favourably)
7. Demarcation (role within business)

Question 4

What is a trade union

Answer 4

An organisation that aims to protect and improve the pay and working condition of its members

Question 5

Legal types of industrial action

Answer 5

1. Official strike
2. All out strike
3. Work to rule
4. Overtime ban
5. Token stop

Question 6

Illegal types of industrial action

Answer 6

1. Unofficial strike
2. Wild cat strike
3. Political strike

Question 7

Non legislative ways of resolving industrial relations conflict

Answer 7

1. Meeting and talking
2. Negotiation
3. Conciliation (3rd party offers sol)
4. Mediation (3rd party opinion)
5. Arbitration (both parties agree in advance)

Question 8

What are the different pay claims

Answer 8

1. Cost of living claim
2. Comparability claim
3. Productivity claim
4. Relativity claim

Question 9

What is a shop steward?

Answer 9

A shop steward is elected by the trade union members in a workplace and acts as the unions representative in the workplace

Question 10

What are the benefits of Trade Union Membership for both Employees and Employers

Answer 10

Employees
1. Protects Employment rights
2. Information and support
3. Better Pay and working conditions
4. National Level

Employers
1. Faster Negotiations
2. Introducing Change
3. Improved Health and Safety

Question 11

What is the purpose of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions? (ICTU)

Answer 11

1. Thr umbrella body that represents campaigns on behalf of trade union members
2. Provides training and information to trade unions and their members
3. Resolve disputes between union and employers
4. Negotiate on behalf of unions in national pay agreements with government and social partners

Question 12

Legislative ways of resolving industrial relations conflict

Answer 12

1. Industrial relations Act 1990
2. Workplace Relations Commission
3. Labour Court
4. Unfair dismissals Act 1977 - 2015
5. Employment Equality Act 1998 - 2015