Shop steward A shop steward is an individual who represents the trade union in the workplace.
Usually it’s a member of the organisation and is elected by the employees.
Role/function of a shop steward • Collects union fees. • Recruits new members. • Represents members when meeting with management. • Provides union information/updates to staff.
Reasons for disputes • Employee dismissals: The employee is fired.
• Pay and conditions: Employees are looking for an increase in wages and/or better working conditions.
• Promotion: Employees are dissatisfied with promotion opportunities. • Demarcation dispute: If one worker is doing the job of another worker.
• Redundancy: The workers are not happy with the amount of redundancy. This is the amount of money you receive when you have been let go.
Types of Industrial Action (Disputes)
When disagreements and conflicts happen between management and employees which cannot be resolved, employees may try the following:
Strike
A strike is a refusal to work organised by employees as a form of protest. Employees stop working and stand outside their place of work due to a dispute with the employer.
All employees must have a secret ballot and vote to strike. They must give seven days’ notice to the employer.
Debenhams workers on strike outside the company’s offices in Cork.
Point of Information
An unofficial strike is where employees don’t hold a meeting and vote secretly on whether they should go on strike. They don’t give seven days’ notice. This is illegal.
Work to rule – go slow means employees do the least amount of work, just what’s stated in their contract of employment.