New to IR Role: What Challenges Should I Expect as a Plant Admin Executive?

Dear Friends, Recently, I joined a new group as a plant admin executive. Here, I am also looking into the IR profile, but I have no knowledge about the IR profile from past experiences. So, please suggest to me what type of issues you have to handle in the IR profile?

Responsibilities of an IR Profile

The ambit of an IR profile includes the following responsibilities:

• Day-to-day labor welfare administration, such as amenities, canteen, etc.
• Time-office management: Attendance, punctuality, and absenteeism.
• Union matters: Recognition, declaring protected workmen, etc.
• Disciplinary management: Dealing with misconduct and domestic inquiries.
• Setting up a Grievance Redressal mechanism.
• Collective bargaining: Holding negotiations with the union.
• Dealing with industrial disputes: Attending conciliation proceedings and adjudication proceedings.
• Drafting settlements.
• Statutory compliances under various Acts like the Factories Act or Shops Act, etc.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
B. Saikumar
HR & IR Advisor

This is a fertile area to learn. First, build rapport with workmen by being proactive in interactions, both official and personal, if the workmen want. Be responsive. If a workman says he has a problem getting a PF loan, don't just refer. Go to the concerned department first, learn the procedure yourself, and explain it to the workmen quickly.

Keep your eyes and ears open, and if you are apprehensive of discontent among the workmen, inform the bosses as you are too new to handle it. Ensure all company welfare measures reach them, and they know what to expect. Also, be firm wherever needed but polite. If you are responsive and proactive, even if you do not solve all issues (none does), they will respect you.

All the best.

Regards,
Kannan

You are working as an Administration Executive and are also involved in Industrial Relations matters. What are your qualifications? Have you obtained a degree in Personnel Management and Industrial Relations? If so, your concerns will be minimized, and you need not worry excessively. Mr. Saikumar has provided you with an excellent background to guide your duties and responsibilities. Additionally, you should familiarize yourself with the Industrial Disputes Act. Study labor journals for case-by-case analysis, especially focusing on the procedures of domestic inquiries and the findings of such proceedings.

However, mere theoretical knowledge is insufficient. Practical experience will enhance your understanding. As an Industrial Relations professional, it is crucial to maintain a polite demeanor and act as a mediator between employers and employees. Consider both perspectives; employees should not be harmed or deprived of any benefits, and employers should not sustain losses in production or profitability. Your primary goal is to ensure compliance with statutory requirements, maintain relevant records, and handle necessary returns.

Learning in the field of HR and IR is continuous, showing interest in your job and ongoing learning is essential. There is no limit to acquiring knowledge in this vast area.

Wishing you the best of luck.

Regards,
Adoni Suguresh

Sr. Executive (Pers, Admin & Ind. Rels)

Labour Laws Consultant

Understanding Industrial Relations (IR)

IR stands for the redressal of problems of the workmen, meeting demands of the Unions pertaining to individual/collective problems related to the policy of management in terms of pay and perks of the workmen specifically, and any other general demands. Here, your task is to foster a smooth relationship with the workmen and the union, striking a reasonable balance with the management.

In this context, I would suggest that you acquire a good understanding of labor laws, particularly the Industrial Disputes Act, Factories Act, Payment of Wages Act, Workmen's Compensation Act, etc. What is expected of you is to be sensitive, sensible, quick, and proactive, without harboring prejudices against anyone. I believe that possessing these qualities will assist you in effectively managing the IR portfolio.

Regards,
S.K. Johri

You are not new to IR or ER. Whatever you have gone through in your life as a student, monitor, teacher, son, or employee is ER. So, handle all your issues or any challenges by keeping in mind how you dealt with all those life issues. Your mother and father are the best IR/ER managers; learn from them how to be polite, when to be a disciplined person, when to ask for a job on time, when to be lenient, etc.

With best regards,

Every one of us has faced a similar situation like yours. You possess all the knowledge; however, you only need the ideas. Treat your employees well and consider them as friends, but remember this does not imply that they will exploit the situation. Take the time to understand their issues and concerns, and strive to resolve these problems promptly within the confines of your company's policies, rules, and regulations. Familiarize yourself with laws such as the Industrial Disputes Act, Factories Act, Payment of Wages Act, Workmen's Compensation Act, etc.

With Regards,
R. Borah

Understanding Industrial Relations

Industrial relations is a combination of knowledge and skills: knowledge about labor laws, their procedures, and compliance; skills in empathy, communication, negotiation, risk analysis, decision-making, and drafting.

Regards,
N. Saikumar
HR & IR Advisor