Chapter 26 - Industrial Relations☀️

Question 1

Explain industrial relations.

Answer 1

The relationship that exists between employers and employees in a particular workplace

Question 2

Explain trade union

Answer 2

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

Question 3

Explain shop steward.

Answer 3

The person elected by the trade union members to represent them in the workplace.

Question 4

Explain conciliation

Answer 4

Two sides in dispute are brought together to discus a problem and try to reach a solution they both accept.

Question 5

Explain arbitration.

Answer 5

When an independent person e.g. Labour Court, listens to both sides of a dispute and makes a decision on how the dispute should be solved.

Question 6

What are the functions of trade unions?

Answer 6

1. Try and improve members working conditions.
2. Try and increase members pay
3. Stand up for their members if they are involved in a trade dispute with their employer

Question 7

Give an example of a trade union.

Answer 7

Professional/White Collar: e.g. Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO)

Question 8

What are the functions of a shop steward?

Answer 8

1. To encourage workers to join the trade union

2. Help workers solve any problems they may have with their employer.

Question 9

What are the causes of trade disputes?

Answer 9

1. Pay
2. Dismissal - Firing can cause problems
3. Discrimination - Some treated badly more then others

Question 10

Name and explain 5 types of strikes

Answer 10

1. Official Strike: Secret vote; one weeks notice
2. Unofficial Strike: No agreement with union
3. Sympathetic Strike: Support other colleagues with problems
4. Lightening Strike: For something that just happened
5. Work to Rule: Only do bare essentials at work

Question 11

What are the steps in solving a trade dispute?

Answer 11

1. Employee discusses problem with Shop Steward who tells management
2. Conciliation - Third Party, Labour Relations Commission brings parties together
3. Arbitration - Third Party, Labour Court makes a decision which parties usually accept.