Roles of Participants in the Workplace
Questions & Exam Practice
Key Concepts Check In
- Define workplace relations.
- Identify the five key participants in the workplace.
- Outline one role of the following workplace participants:
- Employee.
- Human resource manager (HRM)
- Union
- Employer association
- Fair Work Commission (FWC)
- Outline the relationship between a union and an employer association.
Deep Dive
- Explain why workplace relations exist between employers and employees.
- Analyse the role of the HRM in managing the employer–employee relationship.
- Explain why employees may choose to join a union.
- “Unions will aim to get the highest wages they can for employee, no matter what the consequences.” Discuss this statement.
- Explain how unions increase the bargaining power of employees.
- Explain the importance of employer associations for small businesses.
- Compare the role of the employees and the human resource manager in the workplace.
- Explain why the Fair Work Commission must remain independent.
- Discuss how effective workplace relations can contribute to business success.
- Explain how an employee fulfilling their role in the business can lead to a business achieving their objectives.
Content in Action
- A technology company has recently announced they will be making 10% of its employee redundant.
- Outline the role of the human resource manager in this situation. (3 marks)
- Explain the possible role of a union in this situation. (3 marks)
- Green Logistics is a large delivery business across Australia. The business is currently negotiating a new wage agreement with its delivery drivers. However, due to rising fuel costs and increased competition, the business is under pressure to reduce expenses.
Management has proposed changes to employee working hours and delivery schedules in exchange for a 12% pay increase over the next three years. The union and its members are concerned with the pay offer as well as concerned that the changes will increase workloads.
Negotiations between employees and management have stalled and the union suggesting that the employees go on strike as a form of protest.- Explain the potential role of the Fair Work Commission in the situation at Green Logistics. (4 marks)
- Compare the roles of the union and the employer association in the situation at Green Logistics. (6 marks)