IDRL Exam Questions With Verified Answers
How do we define labour relations? Does it matter whether we define the term narrowly or more
broadly?
The relationship between a union and the employer in a workplace.
The narrow definition of the term can mask important aspects of what labour relations is.
Labour relations is also the study of the employment relationship in general. More specifically labour
relations recognises that the employment relationship is one of power and that inherent power
differentials exist between employers and workers. This power dynamic shapes what happens at work
Does labour relations bring a different perspective to work than human resource management?
The study of HRM mainly focuses on non unionized environments. Labour relations draws more
emphasis to unions and their impact on workplaces. HRM and labour relations is relevant but labour
relations brings its own set of priorities and perspectives.
What are labour and capital? And how do their interests converge and conflict in the employment
relationship?
Labour is the portion of the population that trades its time for the wages necessary to support itself.
Capital the portion of the population that draws income from different kinds of investments they
purchased with their capital.
How is employment a social, as well as an economic, relationship?
economic is the exchange of value between employer and worker
social- workers agree to accept managers authority and the dynamic for both parties to structure a
relationship that will maximize cooperation and minimize conflict
What is a labour market and how does it work?
where employers buy workers and workers sell their capacity to work.
the wage rate depends on the demand or supply of workers
What sorts of challenges and tasks face employers when trying to turn the capacity to work into
actual work?
1. defining the nature of the job
2. matching the employee to the job
3. regulating the performance and behaviour of the employee on the job
What are the common law duties and obligations of employers and employees?
Employer:
1)Work and remuneration-Employer is required to pay worker with agreed upon wages for the work
they do. Employer also needs to provide the worker with enough work and significantly reducing
hours or laying off could be a breach of contract
2) Notice of termination- Must give worker proper notice before termination or the equivalent pay in
lieu of the notice. If the worker has violated rules such as stealing they do not need to provide notice.
3) A safe work site- employers are obligated to provide safe working conditions
How do we define labour relations? Does it matter whether we define the term narrowly or more
broadly?
The relationship between a union and the employer in a workplace.
The narrow definition of the term can mask important aspects of what labour relations is.
Labour relations is also the study of the employment relationship in general. More specifically labour
relations recognises that the employment relationship is one of power and that inherent power
differentials exist between employers and workers. This power dynamic shapes what happens at work
Does labour relations bring a different perspective to work than human resource management?
The study of HRM mainly focuses on non unionized environments. Labour relations draws more
emphasis to unions and their impact on workplaces. HRM and labour relations is relevant but labour
relations brings its own set of priorities and perspectives.
What are labour and capital? And how do their interests converge and conflict in the employment
relationship?
Labour is the portion of the population that trades its time for the wages necessary to support itself.
Capital the portion of the population that draws income from different kinds of investments they
purchased with their capital.
How is employment a social, as well as an economic, relationship?
economic is the exchange of value between employer and worker
social- workers agree to accept managers authority and the dynamic for both parties to structure a
relationship that will maximize cooperation and minimize conflict
What is a labour market and how does it work?
where employers buy workers and workers sell their capacity to work.
the wage rate depends on the demand or supply of workers
What sorts of challenges and tasks face employers when trying to turn the capacity to work into
actual work?
1. defining the nature of the job
2. matching the employee to the job
3. regulating the performance and behaviour of the employee on the job
What are the common law duties and obligations of employers and employees?
Employer:
1)Work and remuneration-Employer is required to pay worker with agreed upon wages for the work
they do. Employer also needs to provide the worker with enough work and significantly reducing
hours or laying off could be a breach of contract
2) Notice of termination- Must give worker proper notice before termination or the equivalent pay in
lieu of the notice. If the worker has violated rules such as stealing they do not need to provide notice.
3) A safe work site- employers are obligated to provide safe working conditions
