Page 24 - DMGT106_MANAGING_HUMAN_ELEMENTS_AT_WORK

Managing Human Element at Work

Notes Labour relations managers and their staffs implement industrial labour relations programs.
Labour relations specialists prepare information for management to use during collective
bargaining agreement negotiations, a process that requires the specialist to be familiar with
economic and wage data and to have extensive knowledge of labour law and collective
bargaining procedures. The labour relations staffs interprets and administers the contract
with respect to grievances, wages and salaries, employee welfare, healthcare, pensions,
union and management practices, and other contractual stipulations. In the absence of a
union, industrial relations personnel may work with employees individually or with employee
association representatives. Dispute resolution attaining tacit or contractual agreements has
become increasingly significant as parties to a dispute attempt to avoid costly litigation,
strikes, or other disruptions.
Dispute resolution also has become more complex, involving employees, management,
unions, other firms, and government agencies. Specialists involved in dispute resolution
must be highly knowledgeable and experienced, and often report to the director of industrial
relations. Mediator’s advice and counsel labour and management to prevent and, when
necessary, resolve disputes over labour agreements or other labour relations issues. Arbitrators,
occasionally called umpires or referees, decide disputes that bind both labour and management
to specific terms and conditions of labour contracts. Labour relations specialists who work
for unions perform many of the same functions on behalf of the union and its members.
The EEO officers, representatives, or affirmative action coordinators handle equal employment
opportunity matters. They investigate and resolve EEO grievances, examine corporate practices
for possible violations, and compile and submit EEO statistical reports.

Other emerging specialties in human resources include international human resources managers,
who handle human resources issues related to a company’s overseas operations and human
resources information system specialists, who develop and apply computer programs to process
human resources information, match jobseekers with job openings, and handle other human
resources matters; and total compensation or total rewards specialists, who determine an
appropriate mix of compensation, benefits, and incentives.

Work Environment: Human resources personnel usually work in clean, pleasant, and
comfortable office settings. Arbitrators and mediators many of whom work independently
may work out of home offices. Although most human resources, training, and labour
relations managers and specialists work in the office, some travel extensively. For example,
recruiters regularly attend professional meetings, participate in job fairs, and visit college
campuses to interview prospective employees. Arbitrators and mediators often must travel
to the site chosen for negotiations. Trainers and other specialists may travel to regional,
satellite, or international offices of a company to meet with employees who work outside
of the main corporate office.
Many human resources, training, and labour relations managers and specialists work a
standard 40-hour week. However, longer hours might be necessary for some workers, for
example, labour relations managers and specialists, arbitrators, and mediators when contract
agreements or dispute resolutions are being negotiated.

1.7.4 Training, Other Qualifications and Advancement
The educational backgrounds of human resources, training, and labour relations managers
and specialists vary considerably, reflecting the diversity of duties and levels of responsibility.
In filling entry-level jobs, many employers seek college graduates who have majored in
human resources, human resources administration, or industrial and labour relations. Other
employers look for college graduates with a technical or business background or a well-
rounded liberal arts education.

18 LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY