Employee Relations: An International Journal

Patrick Gunnigle; Thomas Turner; Michael Morley

1998 Employee Relations: An International Journal

doi: 10.1108/01425459810211296

This paper considers the impact of collectivist and individualist management styles in employee relations on levels of strategic integration in employee relations. The findings indicate a positive relationship between individualism and strategic integration. The findings further indicate that high levels of strategic integration are associated with low levels of collectivism in employee relations. Ownership was the most significant factor impacting upon variations in levels of strategic integration.

Alan Tuckman

1998 Employee Relations: An International Journal

doi: 10.1108/01425459810211304

In the debate leading up to the publication of the proposed Government White Paper Fairness at Work, companies which have de‐recognised unions have been portrayed by the unions as looking backwards to “Victorian” employment practices. This paper traces the development of “single status” ‐ effecively the de‐recognition of trade unions ‐ at BP Chemicals. It indicates that, after an initial phase of “macho” tactics at its Baglan Bay site, management adopted an apparently more consensual approach at its two other main sites utilising ballots of workers for the “single status” package. Further, the package introduced Employee Forums on each site which formed the basis of the establishment of a European Works Council. As such it leads to a questioning of the effectiveness of measures in the White Paper to bring about a return to trade union recognition.

John Sutherland

1998 Employee Relations: An International Journal

doi: 10.1108/01425459810211313

This paper discusses the workforce reduction strategies of management (such as natural wastage, redeployment, redundancy etc), identifying some of the factors that influence management’s choice between them. It then proceeds to use a WIRS based data set to examine the relationship between these adjustment options and variables reflecting the size, status and industrial/employee relations characteristics of organisations. It was found that the variables associated with “voluntary” adjustment were different from those associated with “compulsory redundancy”. In particular, variables reflecting “good” industrial/employee relations “styles” were associated with the use of adjustment options which sought to reduce manning levels without resort to to compulsion.

David Walters

1998 Employee Relations: An International Journal

doi: 10.1108/01425459810211322

Presents an evaluation of a trade union project to appoint regional health and safety representatives in farm‐working. Outlines the background and development of the scheme and assesses its outcomes. Reviews the problem of health and safety in agriculture and discusses the scheme as a means of improving the health and safety performance of the small enterprises typical of the industry. Identifies factors that have supported or constrained the activities of the regional safety representatives and evaluates their importance. Compares the scheme with analysis of more developed provisions for regional health and safety representatives found in Sweden and identifies and discusses a number of supporting and limiting factors common to both schemes. Concludes the project has achieved very limited success in improving joint consultation on health and safety in agricultural employment. Suggests its limited progress is a result of constraints specific to the industry rather than those of employment in small enterprises in general. Proposes further strategies that the trade union might adopt to increase the chances of success within the industry.

David Walters

1998 Employee Relations: An International Journal

doi: 10.1108/01425459810211331

Considers the role of employee representation in improving health and safety performance within small enterprises. Focuses on an approach to employee participation through regional health and safety representatives and provides an analysis of the factors necessary to ensure their effectiveness, based on previous studies in the UK and Sweden. Identifies and analyses the challenges presented by small enterprises in light of evidence from existing evaluation of regional representative schemes. Identifies and discusses supportive factors that might enhance representative participation in health and safety in small enterprises, including the role of regulation, and employer and trade union support. Considers the implications of the Health and Safety (Consultation of Employees) Regulations 1996 and concludes that in their present form they offer only very limited support for employee representation in health and safety in small enterprises.