Paper

Management of Human Resources

10/9/2018

Employee and Labor Relations

The goal of employee and labor relations is to prevent and resolve problems between employees in the workforce. The human resources department (HR) oversees all employee relations and conflict resolution at Concert Technologies. The HR department aids in the investigation of grievances and disputes by acting as a mediator and consultant. HR ensures that internal and external rules and laws are being followed in all conflict resolution and grievances cases. The workplace policies and procedures that help guide management in conflict resolution are decided upon by HR with the help of upper management.

The Director of HR and the HR assistant normally handle employee relations and conflict resolution. The employees’ supervisor handles disputes and grievances with an open discussion about the issues. If a satisfactory conclusion is not met, higher supervisors and HR may become involved until all parties are satisfied. Grievances and disputes between and employee and their supervisor may also be dealt with by higher up supervisors or HR. Disciplinary actions are usually carried out by the employees’ supervisor with help from HR. The disciplinary action depends on the type of action and the employees involved.

Employee and labor relations help to prevent problems in the workforce by ensuring the safety of employees and providing legislation that benefits the organization. The safety of its employees is a major concern and the organization takes many steps to protect and maintain the safety of its employees. Concert Technologies facility requires badges for entry and any individual without a badge must be approved by HR or upper management before access is granted. Unauthorized access to any building can lead to suspension or terminations. Emergency evacuation plans and maps are posted in major hallways so that employees can safely exit the building if the need arises. Fire and emergency evacuation drills are held regularly throughout the year. As an added precautionary measure, employees are given the option to work from home if there are severe weather conditions that may prevent them from safely traveling to and from work.

Concert Technologies does not have a union but there are many laws that benefit the organization. Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act “forbids discrimination in any aspect of employment, including: hiring and firing, compensation, assignment or classification of employees; transfer, promotion, layoff, or recall; job advertisements, recruitment, testing, use of company facilities, training and apprenticeship programs, fringe benefits, pay, retirement plans, and disability leave; and other terms and conditions of employment.” (Know Your Rights, n.d). The Family Medical Leave Act of 1993 requires employers to grant employees job protection and unpaid leave for certain family and medical issues. There are state and federal laws that require employers to provide safe working conditions for employees. Laws vary from state to state but OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, is a federal law that requires employers to provide a safe and healthy work environment for employees.

References:

Know Your Rights: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. (n.d.) Retrieved from https://www.aauw.org/what-we-do/legal-resources/know-your-rights-at-work/title-vii/