Employee relations

The term "employee relations" is seen as a replacement for the term "industrial relations".  The term is generally understood to refer to the relationship between employers and employees collectively.  

In 2002, the Council and Trades Unions signed a Partnership Working Agreement which set out their commitment to work together for the benefit of the Council and the workforce. This way of working together is based on four common principles of:

• Common goals
• Understanding
• Honesty
• Transparency

These principles are still valid and both parties continue to work together to achieve the best results for the Council and all employees.  Some of these results include the implementation of Single Status, Council Policies, Craft Workers review, and resolution of issues at an early stage.

In 2007, managers and Trades Unions agreed that it was time to revitalise their working relationship and enable them to continue to work together to get the best results for the Council.  To that end, a Partnership Working Charter was produced which outlines the agreement between both parties. The Charter covers the following areas:

• Partners in the charter
• Principles of Partnership Working
• Roles and responsibilities
• Forums for negotiation/consultation
• Facilities to support the charter
• Monitoring the charter

The Charter was signed on behalf of the Council and Trades Unions and both parties remain committed to working together. The Charter has been used to improve the working relationship between managers and Trades Unions and gives a framework to allow both sides to move forward, meet the challenges ahead together and continue this beneficial relationship.