Industrial Relations

Question 1

What is the role of trade unions (4)

Answer 1

To negotiate with management on behalf of employees (e.g. on issues of pay, working conditions, pensions)

To offer legal advice/support to an employee following incidents/issues in the workplace.

To influence the government to make changes to workplace legislation.

To support/organise industrial action.

Question 2

What are the 7 types of industrial action

Answer 2

Go slow
Work to rule
Overtime ban
Strike
Picketing
Boycott
Demonstration

Question 3

Describe go slow

Answer 3

Deliberately working at a slower pace.

Question 4

Describe work to rule

Answer 4

Working completely according to your contract of employment and job description. This may result in certain tasks/activities no longer being carried out.

Question 5

Describe overtime ban

Answer 5

Workers refuse to work any hours over the contracted hours.

Question 6

Describe strike

Answer 6

Workers refuse to enter the workplace or carry out any of their normal duties.

Question 7

Describe picketing

Answer 7

Union members stand outside their workplace and try to persuade other workers not to go into work.

Question 8

Describe boycott

Answer 8

Employees refuse to carry out a new task or to use a new piece of equipment.

Question 9

Describe demonstration

Answer 9

A gathering of people raising awareness of particular issue.

Question 10

What’s the impact of industrial action (4)

Answer 10

Relationship between employees and employer may deteriorate.

Bad press/publicity for the organisation.

If employees are successful it may cost the organisation more money (e.g. if campaigning to increase wages)

Production may have to stop whilst industrial action takes place.