(Solution) ICS Learn 5HR01 Compare forms of union and non-union employee representation (AC 1.2)
Solution
Union Employee Representation
Union representation is based on employees joining a trade union that bargains on their behalf in order to improve working conditions, pay and job security.
For example, trade unions act as intermediaries between employers and employees and protect employees’ collective bargaining rights. Unions give the legal support, advocate for fair treatment and can take industrial action when this is necessary (CIPD, 2025b). For example, during the post-merger, a trade union would guarantee that employers stick to employment laws such as they cannot dismiss workers unfairly or change their contract to an employee’s disadvantage. Collective action is their power as it means increased influence of employees in decision making. This representation helps boost employees’ confidence in workplace relations as they are assured of fair treatment as the organisational environment changes.
Non-union Employee Representation
Non-union employee representation serves as a communications channel for employees to voice their concerns or participate in workplace decisions without joining a trade union. For example, an employee forum is an internal group of employees discussing workplace issues, making ideas for improvement, and interacting with management (Peters, 2020). For example, the new leadership post-merger can create employee forums to deal with the concerns of job security, restructuring, and workplace policies. By adopting this approach, there can be open dialogue encouraged between management and staff, building trust and ensuring transparency.
Similarities and Differences
Union and non-union employee representation both allow workers to express ideas, suggestions, and concerns while taking part in employee decisions, and for their voices to be heard. Furthermore,……..
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