HR Stakeholders

Employers

those who exercise control over employees, have responsibility for the payment of wages and/or salaries and have the power to dismiss employees

Involvement in developing programs focusing on improving business performance, resolving disputes and negotiating agreements

Employees

Workers under the control of an employee, including workplace location, way in which work is to be performed, how much supervision will be exercised

Employer Associations

Organisations that represent and assist employer groups. They represent employers on broader range of issues beyond HR and industrial relations matters (unlike trade unions)

Their main role is to act on behalf of employers in collective bargaining sessions— They:

• Provide advice on matters like awards, unfair dismissals and discrimination issues

• Make submissions to safety net wage cases

• Negotiate agreements

• Lobby governments and other organisations with views and interests of employers, industries and trade

Unions

Organisations formed by employees in an industry, trade or occupation to represent them in efforts to improve wages and working conditions. Contribution to winning employee rights and fair working conditions

The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) is the peak union body in Australia, made up of 52 associated unions. Union membership has declined due to changes in the composition of the workforce (more females) and a shift in employment from traditional unionised industries to less unionised: eg public to private, manufacturing to service, full time to part time casual

Government Organisations

Key roles of government organisations:

Legislator— passing laws which provide legal framework for industrial relations and employment conditions— with most workers covered by a federal award and some with state-based awards (teachers, nurses)

The system is implemented under the Fair Work Act 2009. Industrial tribunals and courts enforce the employment laws.

Employer— Federal and State Govt. employe almost ⅓ of Aus workers such as teacher, nurses, police, transport workers

Economic manager— Governments operating at the macro level are keen to ensure non-inflationary, stable economic growth and a high standard of living for Australians

Administrator of government policies on I.R matters— Through the departments and agencies established, governments are able to implement the legislation they enact. The FWC is the government agency responsible for establishing legislations

Society

demands legal compliance and ethical business practices from firms, such as the safety and wellbeing of workers, pressure to eliminate discrimination against females, indigenous and disabled members of the working community and implementing environmentally friendly strategies.