2.1.7—Management and workforce relations

Workforce relations describe how employees, managers, representatives and employers negotiate the terms and experience of work. They influence communication, trust, productivity and the handling of disputes.

Collective bargaining, consultation and grievance procedures can resolve interests without stopping operations; poor communication can turn a local issue into industrial action.

A change to shift patterns may be accepted after consultation and compensation, but resisted if employees believe the decision was imposed without evidence.

Good relations do not mean no disagreement; they mean disagreement has credible channels and fair processes.