JUNIOR CYCLE BUSINESS STUDIES The main roles of the shop steward are:
• To pass on union information to union members. • To encourage non-member workers to join the trade union. • To represent union members in talks with management. • To help resolve industrial relations issues in the workplace.
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A shop steward is the worker who has been elected by trade union members to represent them in the workplace.
INDUSTRIAL DISPUTES An industrial dispute may arise if:
• A worker feels that they have not been treated fairly by management (e.g. they have been refused a pay increase or promotion).
• Workers lose their jobs. • Workers are not satisfied with their working conditions or hours.
STRIKES A strike is when employees stop working as a form of protest against their employer.
Official and Unofficial Strikes An official strike is supported by the ICTU when the following procedure is followed:
• Union members vote in support of the strike during a secret ballot. • One week’s notice of the strike has been given to the employer.
As a result, workers may receive strike pay from the trade union in the event of an official strike.
An unofficial strike is not supported by the trade union and is not approved by the ICTU if:
• There is no trade union vote. • Notice of the strike is not given to the employer.
As a result, workers do not receive strike pay from the union in the event of an unofficial strike.
Wildcat/Lightning Strike
When workers suddenly call a strike and walk out of work it is called a wildcat or lightning strike. This type of strike usually happens due to an unexpected event, such as the unfair dismissal of an employee. This is an unofficial strike.
Sympathetic Strike
A strike in support of other striking workers is called a sympathetic strike. For example, doctors may go on strike in support of nurses who are striking due to long working hours.
