14.3 trade unions and industrial action

trade union

organisation that represents and protects rights and interests of members

shop steward

elected trade union representative in workplace

national wage agreements

set pay and working conditions for workers

collective bargaining

negotiation between employers and the trade union to agree on workers compensation and rights

industrial relations act 1990

regulates trade union activities collective bargaining and industrial disputes to promote fair and peaceful working conditions

trade dispute

dispute between employers and workers which is connected with the employment or nonemployment or the terms or conditions of or affecting the employment of any person

industrial action

collective action by workers usually organised by trade unions to protest against workplace issues such as pay conditions or treatment

official strike

employees withdraw labour by refusing to enter workplace or perform duties

all out strike

all employees including those not affected go on strike and will go on for as long as it takes to secure settlement

work to rule

employees only carry necessary duties

token stoppage

employees stop working for a short period to show possibility of bigger action

overtime ban

employees refuse to work extra hours often disrupting operations during peak times