Industrial Relations

Definition: The Industrial Relations or IR encompasses the relationship between the management and workmen and the role of a regulatory body to resolve any industrial dispute.

As the name implies, Industry Relations comprises of two words, Industry, and Relations. Where industry covers the production activity in which the group of workmen is engaged in, while the relations show the relationship between the management and the workers within the industry. IR plays a significant role in today’s working scenario where the harmonious relationship between the employers and employees is needed to have an uninterrupted production. The Industrial Relations mainly cover the following:

• Regulatory body to resolve industrial disputes.
• Collective Bargaining.
• The role of management, unions and government.
• Labor Legislation
• Worker’s Grievance Redressal system.
• Disciplinary policy and practice.
• Industrial Relations Training.

Importance of Industrial Relations

1. Increased Productivity: With amicable industrial relations both the workers and managers continue to work on their respective position and contribute towards the overall productivity of the firm. Thus, IR ensures the continuity of production.
2. Reduced Industrial Disputes: An effective IR helps in the reduction of industrial disputes as both the management and the workers maintain harmonious relations with each other and work in unison towards the accomplishment of production objective.
3. Increased Morale: The peaceful industrial relations boost the morale level of the employees as they feel that their interest coincides with that of the employer’s, and their efforts will result in the overall profitability of the firm.
4. Minimization of Wastage: A good IR ensures reduced wastage as the resources – Man, Machinery, Material are fully utilized and are effectively contributing towards the overall productivity of the firm.

Thus, an effective IR is required to ensure higher production at less cost and increased profits. It covers the system, rules, and procedures to protect the interest of the workmen and the employers and to regulate the behavior of the employer i.e. the way he treats his workmen.