Negotiations make the workforce happy which means they will do a better job and become more efficient. The government want this because the economy will improve, as companies will have high production levels.
It is important for government to negotiate disputes, as they will have a better perception from the public. This means that when it comes to voting time the public will be more inclined to vote for the same government as they know they have the ability to solve these disputes.
Negotiations are good because there will be an improvement in communications and relations between employees and employers.
If negotiations are not made then it costs the taxpayers money as they are paying for a service that is not being provided when people are on strike.
I believe the main reason why negotiations are important is that businesses reputations and profession develop a bad reputation, which has a knock on effect on recruitment. No one wants to be a fireman and most firemen don’t want to stay in their job. This is the other way round in teaching; there is a lack of teachers applying for jobs. If the public see that teachers are given more London allowance then more people may think about applying for a teaching job.
When negotiating different types of bargaining methods have to be used. Collective bargaining is when trade unions and employers meet to bargain on wages or conditions of employment on behalf of workers in the business. Joint consultation is when an elected member of staff consulates with the employer to discuss the issues in dispute.
All businesses need to recognise that discrimination in society is widespread and that employment practices often discriminate against groups of employees, particularly women and ethnic minority workers.
Trade unions campaign for justice for people who face discrimination at work and they advise employers on ways that they can achieve equal opportunities. Some trade unions use high profile campaigns on equal opportunities - like the festival, which is held in the summer to celebrate multi-cultural diversity.
E2: Set out the aims and the objectives of both parties in a clear, logical format.
For this section I will present the aims and objectives of teachers, government and the trade union. I will then explain why they have said this and use examples of present day examples to justify my views.
The teacher’s aim is:
- To increase the amount of money provided to teachers in different regions of inner, fringe and outer London.
The teachers want to increase the amount of London Allowance as teachers in London cannot afford to live due to the high costs of living. Renting and owning property is very expensive and many teachers find it possible to pay their rent or mortgage due to the London Allowance.
The objectives are:
- Negotiate with the government.
- To make a stand via strike.
The teachers went on strike on the 26th of November and also earlier this year in March. There is an example of this in Appendix 1. This is a newspaper article from The Times.
- To be listened to and to be heard.
- To provide greater incentives for teachers to stay in the profession and also to tempt new teachers into the profession.
This is an important objective for the teachers. If new teachers enter this profession then specific teachers that are trained and qualified as opposed to teachers that teach subjects that they are not trained in.
- To enable teachers in London the opportunity to afford property.
This is needed, as teachers cannot afford to stay in London, so many teachers commute from their homes where cost of living is cheaper. This costs the teachers more money, as they have to pay to commute. Teachers that are made to live in these areas are demotivated as areas like this usually have high levels of crime.
The Governments aim is:
- To come to a reasonable agreement which satisfies both parties.
This aim has not been met lately as the government refuse to increase the London Allowance and also meet the demands of the fire fighters.
The Governments objectives are:
- To prevent strike action.
- To avoid damaging professions reputation.
- To listen to teachers and unions and be sympathetic.
- To prevent other professions revolting.
The government have failed to do this as the firemen strike has encouraged more industries to go on strike and make more demands of the government.
- Produce an agreement that prevents teachers from striking again.
- Not to be bullied by unions and public pressure.
The government need to be aware of how the public is thinking as they have a strong influence on disputes.
- Make sure the public doesn’t swing too much against them.
This is very important as when it comes to elections the public will go against the Labour Government.
