International Industrial Relations - Research Paper Example

Understanding of Unions among young people in Australia and impact on future unionism Student Name Tutor Course Date Understanding of Unions among young people in Australia and impact on future unionism Introduction The declining membership in Australian unions is alarming especially among the youths. Unions are basically meant to express democracy, and negotiation of fair working terms and conditions for workers and union members. However, withdrawal of members and reducing number of membership does not reflect the purpose of these unions. Barton and Fairbrother (2007) states that, it has been of great importance in the human resource and industrial relations sectors by protecting workers’ rights on working conditions and payments. Industrial relation is a system that involves trade unions, employers’ associations and courts and tribunals that meet the needs of stakeholders in the industry such as employers, employees and the government. Pursuing to research on the attitudes young people in Australia have towards unions is important since they are the future of Australia. This research seeks to examine what perceptions young people have towards unions in Australia and the impact of this on the future of the nation. It also considers how importance is to improve industrial relations in an economy. Background Most young people seem to view unions as institutions for week workers and only those who are victims in their working place need unions. This has caused an alarm for researchers and other parties in the industry to conduct studies so as to determine the cause of this decline since it is an economic factor. Currently, unionism is declining in Australia and is not reaching young people appropriately. According to Barton et al (2007), since 1990, unions in Australia have faced challenges that have led to the withdrawal of members from unions. To this effect, unions are currently not reaching the young in Australia as it should have. In July 2013, the senior vice president of Labor party in Australia and National secretary for Australia’s transport union Tony Sheldon insisted on reformation of the union and involvement of union members in labor reforms (Sheldon, 2013). This is another indication of the current instability in Unions especially in performing their role to the society. According to Chilla (2008), young people think that unions might be of use to them as individuals and that it has benefits. Although most young people think that only the low self-esteem, female and poor speakers are the ones who need unions because they are weak, a number also perceive unions as institutions of camaraderie where employees join force to balance the employer power. Literature Review Unionism among the Australian youths Due to the changing society and needs at workplaces, most countries are employing recruitment strategies meant to engage more youths in Unions. Although in some countries like Britain, Canada and the US more youths are getting involved in unions, this is not the case in Australia. According to Robertson (2010), more youths in Australia are declining compared to adults. Although the trend in unionism has differed over the years among nations, membership has generally declined worldwide as a result of reduced efficacy due to compromised regulations and social aspects. The future of labor markets and unions in terms of viability is therefore at risk without youths. The Australian Council of trade unions is a leading union in Australia unions in labor relations and improving industrial relations systems in Australia. In relation to improving involvement of Australian youths in unions, management of unions can improve the exposure of this group to such aspects of the industry while enhancing the attitudes of individual youths so that they cease to have the mentality of unionism with particular organizations and jobs. Since youths have a common problem of low pay, unions can use this as a target for attracting their involvement and changing their attitudes since their problems will be addressed. According to Robertson (2010), if youths are able to appreciate the role of unions in protecting them against unfair treatments and tedious jobs, they are likely to stick to the unions and apply for membership forever. Importance of Unionism in Australia The research questions are worth exploring since it concerns the youth in Australia who are the future of the country. If this is addressed and Unionism is restored in Australia, industrialization will be boosted to its previous levels before and during 1990s. Management in industrial relations and the human resource sector will also be improved to provide a basis for contracting between employers and their employees through relation of the labor market. It is also an interesting question to explore since it gives insight on the labor sector in Australia. It is worth writing an essay on the perception of Australian young people on Trade Unions so as to help management of the unions to identify areas of weaknesses in the sector and be able to improve it (Metcalf, 2002). Although unions in Australia just like in other countries face major challenges in adapting to the industry unlike other organizations, once they adapt they serve a great purpose in Australian economy and maintaining a human resource standard. Unions enhance management of human resources in organizations and organizations major activities concerning their human resource. These unions play a major role in conflict resolution between parties and help players in the industry to adapt to changing economic, cultural and social factors affecting them. This works against suppression of people, discrimination and unlimited control and power of employers against their employees. The government of Australia introduced a national paid parental leave scheme in 2011 in favor of employees who are parents through the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU). Another recent contribution to support workers was the campaign to support future job security of Australian workers with insecure jobs in 2011 before introducing the ruling of a 23% increase people’s pay in the social and community service sector and 45% increase within 8years (ACTU, 2009). Re-shuffles in the unions is also targeted to improve efficacy in management. Youths must be motivated by the support given so that they also would register for membership. Industrial relations Industrial relations involve the examination of relationships that exist in the employment sector. This creates a link between the different stakeholders in employment sector including employees, employers and the government. This also incorporates other bodies like employers’ associations, trade unions and courts and tribunals. Although people’s beliefs and values vary with age, culture and social standing, unions are essential and generally involve radicalism, plurality and unitary.There are usual conflicts and cooperation among employers, employees and their representatives that if not managed, might affects the industry. The industrial relation system: Human resource management is the main determinant of employee performance in any organization (Wright et.al 2003). For effective management of employees, performance appraisal and management is a critical aspect in the human resource department. With the increasing competition, the advancement of technology and the current global economic decline, government departments and organizations are changing their employee practices to save resources and at the same time increase productivity (Armstrong 2009). However, without incorporation of negotiating factors in working environment and addressing factors affecting employees, productivity cannot be attained. Industrial relation is therefore an important aspect in improving relationships and increasing productivity. Proposed research questions 1. What do young Australians think and their attitude towards Unions in Australia? 2. How does the attitude of young Australians towards unions affect unionism in Australia? Methodology Research information were acquired from both secondary and primary sources for adequate exploration and completion of the research. A survey was conducted with a sample of 500 Australian young people from four states of Australia and 100 parents. Oral interviews were considered and also administration of questionnaires and other forms of interviews to participants who could not manage to have oral interviews. Open questionnaires were preferable so as to acquire length and detailed information on young people’s attitudes. Secondary information involved research journals and books from the industrial relations, human resource management law and political sector. Historical journals were also extensively. Findings Comparing the response of parents and youths in the four states of Australia, most adults seem to have a positive attitude towards unions compared to their young ones. Most youths find it hard to believe that unions are meant to help people and improve industrial relations as their purpose is meant to be. Although literature and opinions from the youths, most opinions are negative. Tannok (2001) illustrates that, due to the job discrimination aspect within unions that think youths deserve lesser jobs than adults, youths report to withdraw and develop negative attitudes towards unions. Some youths illustrated that unions are meant for weak people who are unable to defend themselves while a number pointed out the fact that management of unions are not interested with what members need but what the management needs. However, some youths also supported unions suggesting that membership in unions be made an official and compulsory procedure when individuals get employed. It is also evident that attitudes of youths have influenced their membership and involvement in unions. Declination of youth involvement in unions is threatening the future existence of these unions majorly because continuity is not assured. Advising Australian youths to join unions and participate in Unionism falls in deaf ears and they act as non-participants or even non-citizens in matters to do with unions. From research, Robertson (2010) reports that, although a number of youths want to join unions and are positive about them, they are pushed a back by the fact that delegates ignore them and they are treated as if they don’t exist in the unions yet they are members. Conclusion Industrial relation has a wide implication to productivity and performance in an industry. Australia is one of the countries that seek to improve industrial relations through establishment of trade unions, employer associations and tribunals that represent actors in industries though negotiations of terms and conditions. Youths in Australia are however, threatening future of these unions through their negative attitudes towards unions. It is clear that the Australian unions of 1990s and before vary to a large extent with current status in the unions. This is affecting how young people perceive unions since it is not reaching to them as it should have. Since young Australians are the future of the nation, understanding their attitudes toward these unions will affect the future since a negative attitude will lead to complete extermination of this arm of labor system in Australia. Exploring research on unionism in Australia is important since it affects the general society, industrial relations and human resources in Australian organizations. The country’s economy is likely to benefit too from accepted role of union among youth. Recommendation Given the current state of Australian unions, the board and management of these unions together with the Australian government should seek to improve how young people perceive unionism in the nation. Nurturing unionism among the young minds will be important for the future of the nation. More research must also be conducted on the same to explore more areas of unionism basing on different demographic factors. Low wage rates and poor working conditions are likely to arise if the government decides to prohibit trade unions in the Australia. However, encouraging existence of these unions and associations must also favor both nationals and non-nations in the employment sector. The result of ignoring the human resource factor leads to disputes, strikes low employee production and damages the image of organizations posting a negative picture on trade unions not only in Australia but globally. If the government intervenes to have more control on the employees, arresting workers who are fighting for their rights is uncouth. And therefore, youths must understand that fighting as individuals will cause commotion and less understanding compared to acting as group with a common body acting as a representative. Negotiation becomes easier. Unions must also ensure that the negative picture of unions is reformed by better governance, just and fair treatment and reaching to the core of needs that youths have so as to win their trust and maintain it for the future of unions and general Australian economy. Works Cited Chilla, Bulbeck. Only ‘Victim’ workers need unions?: Perceptions of trade unions amongst young Australians. Labor and industry, 2008. Sheldon, Tony. Unionists must have a voice under Labor reforms. Online on ABC.net. 2013 Barton, Ruth., Snell, D. and Fairbrother, Peter. The state of unions and union research in Australia, 2007. Print. Barton, Ruth and Fairbrother, Peter. ‘The Local is Now Global: Trade Unions Organising Globally’, Work Employment and Society Conference. University of Aberdeen, Australa, 2007. Print. Metcalf, David. Unions and productivity, financial performance and investment: international evidence. CEPDP Centre for Economic Performance, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK. David Crosby, M. Power at work: Rebuilding the Australian union movement. Annandale, NSW, 2005.Federation Press. Wright, P., & Kehoe, R. (2008).Human resource practices and organizational commitment: A deeper examination. Asia Pacific Journal of Human Resources, 46(1), 6-20. Armstrong, M.. Armstrong's handbook of human resource management practice (11th ed.). London: Kogan Page Limited, 2009. Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU).About Trade Unions. Australia, ACTU. 2009 Read More