Employer and Employee Relations

Strike action is a collective action taken by the employees whereby they refuse to work
completely. Strike action can arise after major conflicts between employer and employees
due to reasons such as lack of safety or increased number of working days for the
employees.

Work to rule: The employees can collectively work just the minimum amount or number of
hours. By applying this strategy they dont have to work beyond than what is required or
part of their job description.

Negotiation: Disputes due to the pay can be negotiated with the company or the
government to take an effective action against the company to resolve the matter. This
involves peaceful talks being carried and the employer and employee arriving on a mutually
agreed solution.

Overtime bans: Laborers can opt for not working beyond their working hours. They can
refuse to work for more than the working hours stated in their contract.

Review questions

1. Negotiation is the bargaining process where two or more parties attempt to achieve
a solution that satisfies all the parties involved. Collective bargaining is the process
where pay and condition of work are discussed and resolved by the representatives
such as lawyers or trade unions.
2. Labor unions are organizations that are the representative of employees. They are
united to protect their rights and welfare. It is formed in order to be powerful in
order to carry out negotiations or bargaining as the power is much higher compared
to an individual doing negotiation and bargaining.
3. Employers associations are organizations that represent the general views and
interest of all business with a certain industry by negotiating with unions and
lobbying.
4. Collective bargaining depends on five factors such as;
1. Level of experience and skills of the negotiators.
2. The number of members within a trade union as the higher the number of
unionists, the more power they have to influence the business decision-making.
3. State of the economy is important is also as companys decision will be
economical. If production and demand for the product is weak or unemployment
is high, then employees will not be able to negotiate wages.
4. Support for the business or labour union can determine which party is stronger
and ethical which further determines the negotiating powers.
5. Governments guidelines and rules also determine the parameters within
negotiations can take place. For instance, if the minimum wage is $15 an hour,
then employees can use the methods to negotiate with company.
5. A trade union is formation of an organization consisting of employees of other
business and are united to protect the welfare of the employees.
6. Lock outs and closures