CIPD urges stronger employer-worker relationships

Employers need to be aware of the latest legislation regarding trade union activity, in view of the recent industrial action by both rail and postal workers, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has warned.

Mike Emmott, Advisor, Employee Relations at the CIPD said: “Employers have too much at stake to remain unaware of the rules affecting trade union activity. The costs of industrial action, in terms of output, productivity and legal penalties can be crippling, quite apart from possible longer-term damage to the employer’s reputation and business.

“The new laws surrounding statutory union recognition and impending European legislation on workplace consultation mean it is critical for employers to have processes in place for working in partnership with employees”.

The CIPD and JSB’s Trade Unions and Industrial Relations Law programme offers those involved in line management, HR and industrial relations roles a complete review of the current trade union laws including: union recognition and bargaining, industrial action and the law of contract and the employer/employee relationship.”

Emmott concluded, “Effective management of employee relations remains crucial for the successful operation of any business. This is so, despite the long-term decline in numbers of lost days due to industrial disputes.” (KMcA)