...INTRODUCTION The term "Industrial Relations" has developed both a broad and a narrow meaning. Originally, industrial relations was broadly defined to include the totality of relationships and interactions between employers and employees. From this perspective, industrial relations covers all aspects of the employment relationship, including human resource (or personnel) management, employee relations, and union-management (or labor) relations. Since the mid-twentieth century, however, the term has increasingly taken on a narrower, more restricted interpretation that largely equates it with unionized employment relationships. In this view, industrial relations pertains to the study and practice of collective bargaining, trade unionism, and labor-management relations, while human resource management is a separate, largely distinct field that deals with nonunion employment relationships and the personnel practices and policies of employers. Both meanings of the term coexist in the twenty-first century, although the latter is the more common. ORIGINS The term "industrial relations" came into common usage in the 1910s, particularly in 1912 upon the appointment by President William Taft of an investigative committee titled the Commission on Industrial Relations. The commission's charge was to investigate the causes of widespread, often violent labor conflict and make recommendations regarding methods to promote greater cooperation and harmony among employers and employees. Shortly...
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...terms, Employment relations is concerned with the theory and practice associated with the management and regulation of the employment relationship. In particular, it is concerned with the socio-political dimension of the employment relationship and the distribution of power between management and employees, the incidence and expression of conflict and the social and legislative regulatory framework within which the employment relationship exists. Employment relations is the contemporary term used to refer to what has traditionally been called ‘industrial relations’. As both an academic area of study and a set of organisational activities, industrial relations has traditionally referred to the management of the relationship between trade unions and management and associated processes including collective bargaining, negotiation and consultation and industrial conflict. The use of the term ‘employment relations’, rather than industrial relations, reflects a range of developments in the political, economic, social and legal context of the employment relation- ship that have taken place over the last three decades. The advent of new forms of employee management, such as HRM, alongside shifting industrial structures to a service-dominated economy, declining trade union power and influence, political antipathy towards the union movement, greater individu- alisation and flexibility in the management of labour and changing social attitudes have created a more diverse employment landscape...
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...Introduction To Industrial Relations | | | Industrial relations has become one of the most delicate and complex problems of modern industrial society. Industrial progress is impossible without cooperation of labors and harmonious relationships. Therefore, it is in the interest of all to create and maintain good relations between employees (labor) and employers (management). | | Concept of Industrial Relations: The term ‘Industrial Relations’ comprises of two terms: ‘Industry’ and ‘Relations’. “Industry” refers to “any productive activity in which an individual (or a group of individuals) is (are) engaged”. By “relations” we mean “the relationships that exist within the industry between the employer and his workmen.” The term industrial relations explains the relationship between employees and management which stem directly or indirectly from union-employer relationship. Industrial relations are the relationships between employees and employers within the organizational settings. The field of industrial relations looks at the relationship between management and workers, particularly groups of workers represented by a union. Industrial relations are basically the interactions between employers, employees and the government, and the institutions and associations through which such interactions are mediated. The term industrial relations has a broad as well as a narrow outlook. Originally, industrial relations was broadly defined to include the relationships and interactions...
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...Industrial relations is a post-industrial revolution term that replaced the expression "master-servant" used to define the relationship between a worker and an employer. Contemporary industrial relations still refers to the employment relationship and the business unit that manages the employment relations, personnel or human resources. It often includes labor unions as parties to that relationship. The main objective of industrial relations is to improve the economic conditions of workers in the current economic climate. The value added outcomes that can result from good industrial relations include improved morale and commitment, fewer grievances, productivity increases, and better control of labour costs. (Waiganjo, 2012) However there are three theories on how this can be obtained: unitarism, pluralist and radical perspectives. Each of these perspectives takes a different approach to the workplace and the roles of the parties involved; but not all will be effective in today’s evolving labour market. If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work With your enemy. Then he becomes your partner. - Nelson Mandela The unitarist approach to industrial relations is one of mutual benefit; the management and other members of staff are presumed to share a common purpose emphasizing mutual cooperation. (Waiganjo, 2012) This approach to working relationship promotes the virtues of teamwork, where everyone strives to reach a common objective. Many Canadians take...
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...Introduction In recent times the Trinidad and Tobago industrial relations climate has been experiencing heightened activity. This has been characterized by the numerous strikes and news reports of the actions and statements of the principal actors involved. The recent TCL strike (Newsday, 2012), statements threatening strike action by PSA president (Guardian, 2010), and threats to the government for a nationwide strike (CARICOM News Network, 2011) all give credence to the concerns of the ECA “that the industrial relations climate will become increasingly adversarial”(Business Guardian, 2011). This type of conflict and balance of power issues in the long-term can have adverse economic consequences as well as a negative effect on international competitiveness. The term ‘Industrial Relations’, in a broad sense, covers the employment relationship between employers and employees either directly or through their representatives. An explanation of Industrial Relations which clearly identifies the principal actors is:- “the relationships between employees and employers within the organisational settings. The field of industrial relations looks at the relationship between management and workers, particularly groups of workers represented by a union. Industrial relations are basically the interactions between employers, employees and the government, and the institutions and associations through which such interactions are mediated” (Naukrihub.com). Actors and their roles ...
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...Comparative Studies of Industrial or Employment Relations Assignment 1 Trimester 3 2013 HRM 603: Comparative Studies of Industrial or Employment Relations Assignment 1 Trimester 3 2013 Name: Cagi Merelita ID no.: 2011001230 Table of Contents Introduction 1 The development & evolution of IR/ER system 2 The development & evolution of IR/ER system in the Fiji Island 3 The IR/ER system of Australia against that of the Fiji Islands 4 The emerging issues & recent trends in IR/ER in both nations 5 Considered key roles & responsibilities by the major actors in an IR/ER system in each country 6 Major actor’s roles & responsibilities that are considered most significant in an IR/ER context & why 8 Bibliography 9 Introduction Employment Relations are the employer and employee relationship, it also describes the relationship between workers and employers in business (Employer and Employee Relations, 2011). Employment Relations is important because it encourages motivation, it builds up the reputation of a worker and the business through the increase in number of potential customers, investors and staff, increase in productivity output, efficiency and profit levels (Employer and Employee Relations, 2011). With the changing industrial landscape in every country or nation, the growth of new townships/cities and the dispersal of activity, a process of ‘industrial culturalisation’ of workers...
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...TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction Page: 3 Collective Bargaining and the Employer Page 3-4 The Employment Relationship Page 4-5 Trade Unions & Collective Bargaining Page 5-6 Conclusion Page 6-7 Bibliography Page 8 INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS Collective bargaining is the most effective means of giving workers the right to representation in decisions affecting their working lives’ (Donovan, 1968: 54). Discuss Introduction: While Collective Bargaining is a Democratic right of all workers, recent trends have indicated a significant reduction in Trade Union membership. Such a trend is in contrast with recent management directives to integrate employee’s opinion at organisational level. This report attempts to define Collective Bargaining and the approaches undertaken by Employers to manage the area. The Employment Relationship is then studied with a particular emphasis on the structure and balance of power between the Employer and Employee’s. The contribution of the Trade Union movement to the Collective Bargaining issue is then discussed. This Report is then concluded with a definitive view on the role of Collective Bargaining on workers lives. Existing literature will be used to support arguments throughout this...
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...Employee Relations What are the implications of the decline in union forms of representation for effective employee voice within workplace? Introduction: Union has been a very important part in employee relations. This was actually the voice of employees towards the management/ employers at workplace. Basically union is “an association, combination, or organization of employees who band together to secure favourable wages, improved working conditions, and better work hours and to resolve grievances against employers” (Bagchi, 2003). Unions always try to protect workers right and maintain a balanced relationship between workers and management. Unions’ existence can be traced from the 18th century, when the rapid growth of industrialisation took place. This industrial growth drew attention of women, children, rural workers and immigrants to the work force in different roles and actions. This unskilled and semi-skilled work force continuously organized them to fit in to the system from the beginning; and later become an important arena for the development of trade unions. In recent age the relationship between employee and employer has changed so does the process of representation process. The relationship between employee and employer should have some sort of equality in it. But as a matter of fact this has rarely be a case when an applicant or employee gets the choice to select the desired workplace or work itself from the employers. It’s rather more driven by employers’...
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...1. Labour or Industrial Relations. The term labour relations, also known as industrial relations, refers to the system in which employers, workers and their representatives and, directly or indirectly, the government interact to set the ground rules for the governance of work relationships. It also describes a field of study dedicated to examining such relationships. The field is an outgrowth of the industrial revolution, whose excesses led to the emergence of trade unions to represent workers and to the development of collective labour relations. A labour or industrial relations system reflects the interaction between the main actors in it: the state, the employer (or employers or an employers’ association), trade unions and employees (who may participate or not in unions and other bodies affording workers’ representation). The phrases “labour relations” and “industrial relations” are also used in connection with various forms of workers’ participation; they can also encompass individual employment relationships between an employer and a worker under a written or implied contract of employment, although these are usually referred to as “employment relations”. There is considerable variation in the use of the terms, partly reflecting the evolving nature of the field over time and place. There is general agreement, however, that the field embraces collective bargaining, various forms of workers’ participation (such as works councils and joint health and safety committees) and mechanisms...
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...INDUSTRIAL/LABOUR RELATIONS Meaning of Industrial Relations Means an Employer-employee relationships that are covered specifically under collective bargaining and industrial relation laws. It refers to all types of relationships between employer and employee, trade union and management, workers and union and between employee and employee. It also includes all sorts of relationships at both formal and informal levels in the organization. In broader sense industrial relations means all such relationships that a business enterprise maintains with various sections of society including employee, state, customers and public in industries contact. Parties in Industrial Relation Three main parties are directly involved in industrial relations: Employers: Employers possess certain rights vis-à-vis labors. They have the right to hire and fire them. Management can also affect workers’ interests by exercising their right to relocate, close or merge the factory or to introduce technological changes. Employees: Workers seek to improve the terms and conditions of their employment. They exchange views with management and voice their grievances. They also want to share decision making powers of management. Workers generally unite to form unions against the management and get support from these unions. Government: The central and state government influences and regulates industrial relations through laws, rules, agreements, awards of court and the like. It also includes third parties and labor...
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...utilisation of all other resources it is critical that HR is given at least the same management attention as the other key resources. The key Human Resource Management areas are as follows: Industrial Relations Industrial Relations generally refers to an employer's, employee's or trade union's reactive response to issues which occur within the company. These can be either spontaneous or on-going and can ultimately terminate in the disputes mechanisms of the Labour Relations Commission, the Rights Commissioner Service, the Employment Appeals Tribunal and the Labour Court or in industrial actions including strikes and lock outs. Generally the companies with poor industrial relations track records have issues of trust between the parties and tend to have a confrontational relationship. In such an environment a lot of energy is 'wasted' on confrontational debate and posturing rather than on the commercial development of the company's products or services. Central Human Resource Management Structures Human Resource Management is the overall management function, which embraces all aspects of the employee / employer relationship. It incorporates other areas such as industrial relations, employee relations and employment legislation, but as the philosophical approach to how the relationship is managed varies from company to company, the different approaches are dealt with independently within the 1 Stop HR information service. None the less, you will note that the different approaches...
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...Using the Dunlop Theory as your based for explanation to discuss Malaysian Industrial Relation development to the current time. What is Industrial Relations? Industrial relations is a multidisciplinary field that studies the employment relationship. Industrial relations is increasingly being called employment relations or employee relations because of the importance of non-industrial employment relationships, this move is sometimes seen as further broadening of the human resource management as synonymous with employee relations. Industrial relations is used to devote the collective relationships between management and the workers. Traditionally, the term industrial relations is used to cover aspects of industrial life as trade unionism, collective bargaining, discipline and grievance handling, industrial disputes and interpretation of labor laws and rules and code of conduct. The History of Malaysian Industrial Relations Malaysian became incorporated into expanding European capitalism from the early sixteenth century. This inclusion evolved through mercantilism (1500-1850s) driven by Portuguese and the Dutch, colonialism driven by the British (a850s-1930s and 1945-1957) and the Japanese (1941-1945), post-colonial industrialisation (1960s) and ethnonationalist economic development (1971-present). A productive market economy was built during British colonialism with the establishment of capitalist plantation and mining export industries, based on immigrant Indian and...
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...Labor Relations Labor management relations has become one of the most delicate and complex problems of modern industrial society. Labor management progress is impossible without cooperation of labors and harmonious relationships. Therefore, it is in the interest of all to create and maintain good relations between employees (labor) and employers (management). The term ‘Labor management Relations’ comprises of two terms: ‘Labor’ and ‘Relations’. “Labor” refers to “any productive activity in which an individual (or a group of individuals) is (are) engaged”. By “relations” we mean “the relationships that exist within the industry between the employer and his workmen.” The term labor management relations explains the relationship between employees and management which stem directly or indirectly from union-employer relationship. Background Information Our history of industrial relations is one of oppression from the owner’s/employers’ part. Our industrial relations date back to the 60’s of the 18th century when rail lines were established here for the first time. The workers had to endure colonial suppression and the employers main concern was their own profits-not the workers well being. Laborers were treated as animals. Any sort of objection raised on part of the labors could be faced with death in the hands of the owners. Reflections of this trend are still visible in contemporary Bangladesh. The labour law system is more than a century old in Bangladesh. The first labour...
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...BACHELORS IN MANAGEMENT (HRM) ASSIGNMENT INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS Q2. What is the role of the Ministry of Human Resources in the industrial relations system? Who are the parties involved in the industrial relations system? The scope of Ministry of Human Resources in the industrial relations system encompass employee and workers state of safety, health and welfare and human resource matters such as training, employment, labour rights and industrial relations. It includes the PERKESO (Pertubuhan Keselamatan Sosial), PSMB (Pembangunan Sumber Manusia Berhad), JTM (Jabatan Tenaga Malaysia), JKKP (Jabatan Keselamatan dan Kesihatan Pekerja). The role of the Human Resources Ministry is to encourage harmonious relationships between employers and employees in the interest of the nation’s productivity. The objective of Human Resource Ministry in the industrial relations is: • To protect the welfare of the employees-safety, and rights • To promote good employer-employee relationship through a stable and peaceful Industrial Relations system • To equip the unemployed with basic industrial skills and to improve the skill level of the workforce • To assist in maximizing country’s manpower resources through manpower planning • Department of Labour, Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak-enforces Employment Act 1955, Workmen’s Compensation Act 1952, Wages Council Act 1947, Young Persons Act 1966, Employment Restriction Act 1968 and Workers Minimum Standards...
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...Industrial Relations in China :A Case Study of Foxconn Suicides Abstract As globalization affected the whole world, the contradiction between leaders and labors has become a world-wide problem. In China, a series of employees’ suicides attracted the public and media’s concentration to consider this problem. A Taiwanese electronics corporation, is acting as the protagonist in this issue and now earning an internationally notorious reputation of running sweatshops. This paper analyze the cause of ongoing trend of exploitation of workers in China with the example of Foxconn, and examine the reasons behind those suicides from the perspective of management, workers and related laws. Based on the fundamental information of China, to illustrate my own analysis about this case from ethical and legal point, and to criticize Foxconn’s management strategy, industrial relations and the gaps of Chinese laws. Keywords: workers’ exploitation, China, Foxconn, suicides, inustrial relations 1. Introduction 1.1 Background and significance of the topic With the rapid development of Chinese economy and the increasing globalization of business competition, the various types of enterprises in China have been booming development, rapid increases in the number and size of foreign investment in China to hire to do business, and further reform of state-owned enterprises increase, the private sector, the number and the number of employees of private enterprises in recent years, is also...
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