Trade Unions, Industrial Action & Employee Relations - The Key Issues

Introduction

Around one quarter of employees in the UK are a member of a trade union. Although that is certainly a lot less than the 1970s (when membership peaked) it is still a significant number. It is important, therefore, to understand the law relating to trade unions and the protection that members have.

In recent times there has been an increase in industrial action, with high profile strikes in areas such as the railways. It is essential to understand the law surrounding industrial action, as well as understanding the soft skills required to manage such situations, such as negotiation.

During this in-person seminar we will look at the recent developments in legislation, including the impact of the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill, the key issues to note when managing industrial action and the soft skills required to manage difficult situations.

What You Will Learn

This course will cover the following:

• Trade Unions
• The definition of a trade union
• The difference between an independent and dependent trade union
• Trade Union Representatives
• The legal protection
• Safety representatives
• Learning representatives
• Time off for duties
• Trade Union Recognition
• Statutory and non-statutory recognition
• Derecognition
• Industrial Action
• Lawful and unlawful action
• Defining a trade dispute
• The ballot process
• Picketing
• Trade Union Act 2016
• Managing the threat of action within an organisation
• The use of agency workers
• Skills required
• Negotiation
• Active listening
• Communication