LECTURE 7

LABOUR RELATIONS (CONFLICT RESOULTION)

Definition of Work:
Activity involving mental or physical effort done in order to achieve a purpose or result.

Why do we work?

 People need money to buy things. If you go to work, your boss will pay you. You
will have money to pay the rent and to go shopping. You will be more independent.
 People want to be busy. They go to work because it is boring to stay at home and do
nothing. At work one learns new things and meets new people. It can be fun to have a
job.
 Going to work makes people feel useful. Other people have more respect for people
that work.

Definition of Trade Union-

An organization of workers in the same skilled occupation or related skilled occupations who
act together to secure for all members favourable wages, hours, and other working conditions.
The key function of the trade union is to represent the interest of workers. The trade union
seeks to promote the interest of workers through the process of collective bargaining.

Role and Functions of Trade Unions:

1) Collective bargaining
2) Social activities
3) Political activities
4) Educational activities
5) Act as a pressure group to influence government decision making
6) Negotiate for better or competitive salaries
7) Set regulatory standards for some unions eg. provide training and negotiate rights of
workers
8) Enhancement of workforce
9) Seek welfare of workers

1
 10) Promote a system of democracy for electing union officials.

Collective Bargaining- is a process of negotiation between employers and a group of

employees aimed at reaching agreements to regulate working conditions. The interests of the
employees are commonly presented by representatives of a trade union to which the employees
belong.

There are two aspects of collective bargaining:

1) Negotiation-

A process of trying to reach a mutual agreement between parties.

2) Settlement of Disputes-

Disputes can be elevated from local union representatives (on the job) to the District Office,
Union Executive, Chief Labour Officer, then to arbitration, Industrial Courts or Minister of
Labour.

FUNCTIONS OF TRADE UNIONS

Social Activities-

They take care of their sick, retired and unemployed

Political Activities-

Have linkages with political parties

Educational Activities-

Have special fund to educate their member and children of their members.

2
Types of Unions:

 Craft
 Industrial
 General
 Staff

Industrial Relations- Definition-

The relationship between the employees and employer.

Reasons why unions will be able to negotiate a high wage.

- A strong economy
- Increased productivity and profitability.
- Increased risk and cost of living.

Sources of Conflict within the organisation:

1. Competition between employees over performance or promotion

2. Employees or Departments regarding allocation of resources
3. Worker groups share diff. needs and interest.
4. Diff. objectives, attitudes and values between employee and the organisation.
5. Breakdown in communication leading to misunderstandings
6. Management and Leadership style not suitable to workers or task
7. Industrial relations issues.eg
- Breach of Labour Law
- Work regulations
- Break of agreement or policy
- Unfair treatment
- Unfair dismissal
- Threat to Health and Safety Issues

3
Conflict Resolution Strategies-

1) Grievance Procedures – a set series of stages that work related grievances must be
referred to before it is resolved. It is reported to the immediate supervisor, then
manger then to the executive of the trade union then onto the industrial court.
2) Conciliation- A third party, usually from the Ministry of Labour will be present
during the discussions to encourage communication and reaching a resolution without
offering solutions.
3) Mediation- This is where the third party offers solutions upon which the parties can
decide to accept or reject.
4) Arbitration – This is where all parties make their declarations and the third party
called the arbitrator makes the final decision which is legally binding.

Guidelines for establishing good relations between managers and employees:

1. Maintain good communication with workers

2. Establish Grievance Procedures
3. Practice good leadership
4. Motivate workers with adequate compensation and incentives
5. Provide more interesting work through job enrichment and enlargement.
6. Improve working conditions.

Methods of Industrial Action by employees-

1) Go Slow – workers complete their tasks very slowly.

2) Overtime ban- No overtime is offered by the employees
3) Work to Rule- Stick to Job Specifications
4) Picketing- Public sympathy is achieved
5) Closed shop- force employees to join union
6) Strike action- work stops completely.

4
Methods of industrial action by employers-

1) Lockouts are used to avoid sabotage

2) Firing all workers.
3) Scab Labour- Alternate labour is hired.

Local Examples –

 Airline Superintendents Association

 All Trinidad General Workers' Trade Union
 Banking, Insurance and General Workers Union
 Communication, Transport and General Workers Union
 Communication Workers Union
 Contractors and General Workers Trade Union
 Oilfields Workers' Trade Union
 Public Services Association
 Trinidad and Tobago Postal Workers Union
 Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers Association