Industrial Relations Officer
(Employee Relations Officer)
Fact Sheet
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Discussing work conditions |
Industrial relations officers manage employment conditions and related issues. Industrial relations officers aim to encourage employees and employers to work towards effective organisational practices. They may represent industrial, commercial, union, employer or other organisations in industrial negotiations.
Duties and Tasks
Industrial relations officers may perform the following tasks:
- advise on the operation of industrial awards and agreements
- undertake negotiations on rates of pay and conditions of employment for employees and employers
- develop and administer policies on different employee classifications, wage structures and related matters
- establish and maintain good relationships between employers and employees
- examine and attempt to resolve industrial disputes and grievances in the workplace (e.g. by acting as the management representative in discussions with trade unions about the effects of technological change on the duties of employees in a manufacturing workshop)
- study and interpret relevant industrial legislation (the laws formulated by parliament to control industrial practices in the workplace)
- advise others on the proper procedures for carrying out negotiations and on the special regulations relating to employment and salary agreements
- conduct research into particular industrial relations issues (e.g. the effects of changes in work practices on productivity)
- represent an industrial group as a representative before industrial tribunals
- advise on or develop and negotiate enterprise-based agreements
Quick Facts
School subjects that include some aspect of ECONOMICS provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases an economics-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of HISTORY provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a history-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
Workers performing these jobs would usually be expected to spend more than three-quarters of their day indoors, in an office, factory or other enclosed area protected from the weather. Jobs requiring mainly indoor work are excluded.
These jobs require moderate or better reading and writing skills. Workers may be expected to prepare, understand or act on written materials, such as letters or reports. People may wish to avoid these jobs if their reading or writing English skills are limited to a small range of words or phrases and symbols. Jobs remaining may still require very basic reading or writing skills.
Included are jobs in accounting, administration, advertising, banking, distribution, economics, finance, marketing, personnel management, policy advice, public relations, real estate, sales and valuation.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH DATA to order, process or retrieve facts and figures, or to develop or administer policies and procedures. Activities include organising, using or updating information, such as files or accounts, developing or following procedures or systems, and the planning, budgeting, and staffing of an organisation.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH PEOPLE, to sell to, influence, motivate, negotiate with, or serve them. Activities include selling, promoting or providing goods or services, bargaining, or presenting a point of view.
Jobs in this group usually require completion of secondary education and/or completion of some further study of a vocational nature, such as a Diploma or an Advanced Diploma.
Jobs in this group usually require completion of a recognised Bachelor Degree, or extensive relevant experience. Some jobs also require post-graduate study, such as a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Master Degree.
Work Conditions
The work of industrial relations officers varies according to where they are employed. Those working for organisations with a large workforce aim to minimise industrial disputes by acting as a communication link between management and employees. Those working for employer associations or trade unions aim to protect the interests of the group they are representing.
Personal Requirements
- good communication skills
- good conflict-resolution skills
- willing to work within rules (legislative and legal)