The relationship between employees and employers. Involves the laws, institutions and processes established to resolve the conflicts.
Unions
Trade unions are associations of workers aiming to advance the interests of their members by improving wages and working conditions
Occupational Unions
Draw their members from persons who possess a particular occupational skill/s
Industry-based Unions
Covers workers in a particular industry
Enterprise-based Union
Represent only the workings of a specific enterprise
General Unions
Covers a whole range of workers with many different skills across various industries
Employer Associations
Organisations formed to present the interests of businesses, especially in industrial relations and in lobbying the government
Role of Employer Associations
Assists members in negotiating wage agreements with employees
Provide advice, training and direct assistance to employees
Minimum Wages
Acts as a safety net for employees by providing minimum rates of pay for employees not covered by an award or workplace agreement
Awards
Industrial awards provide a set of minimum wages and working conditions for employees specific to their industry, job classification, occupation or type of work performed
Enterprise Agreements
Made between groups of employees and firms or groups of firms. Made to suit the specific needs of particular enterprises and can offer pay above minimum rates
