Industrial relations - Employee representation

Overview

The concept of industrial relations (also known as "labour relations") relates to employer-employee relations when employees are represented by an employee representative body, such as a trade union (also known as "labour unions") or works council. The employer may be required to negotiate with the relevant body or bodies regarding issues that affect the employees, such as pay, working conditions and health and safety, and inform and consult with employees prior to taking key decisions. Where disputes are not resolved, employees may have the right to take industrial action, depending on the applicable legal framework.

In this guide, we explore the role and structure of trade unions, work councils and other forms of employee representation, the interplay between the different bodies, and the protections afforded to representatives. We also highlight some of the costs associated with representative bodies and employers' obligations in this area.

Other guides on industrial relations are:

• Industrial relations - Global strategy
• Industrial relations - Information, consultation and co-determination
• Industrial relations - Collective bargaining and collective agreements
• Industrial relations - Industrial action and collective disputes