2J - Participants in the workplace

Workplace relations

interactions between employers and employees or their representatives within a business internal environment

Employee objectives

• Earn an income

• Good employment conditions

• Job security

• Develop skills

• Career advancement

Employer objectives

• Make a profit

• Increase market share

• Fulfil a market/social need

• Meet shareholder expectations if you’re a public or private listed company

Employment contract

Wages and conditions of work terms and conditions of employment, pay, hours, leave, etc.

In what ways can there be conflict between employees and employers?

• Strikes

• Go-slow

• Work to rule

• Pickets

• Sabotage

• Lock outs

Employees role’s

• Perform duties with care and diligence

• Follow safety

• Obey contract

• Serve faithfully

Unions

Organised, composed individuals who represent employees in a particular industry

Role of Unions

• Provide representation and advice for employees

• Assist with contract bargaining

• Shop stewards are locally elected union officials who represent the union at the workplace as a first point of contact for employees

Employer’s role

• Make a profit

• Increase market share

• Fulfil a market need

• Meet shareholder expectations

Employer associations

advisory bodies that assist employers in understanding and upholding legal business obligations as well as support and unite each other

Human resource management

individuals who coordinate relationship between employees and management within a business

Fair work commision

Australia’s independent workplace relations tribunal that has a range of responsibilities

Fair Work Commision roles

• Dealing with unfair dismissal claims

• Setting national minimum wage

• Dealing with disputes —> arbitration