Curious About Industrial Relations? Seeking Insights on Roles and Responsibilities in HR

Dear friends and seniors,

I am looking after the entire gamut of HR and statutory. I was asked if I also handle Industrial Relations (IR). Can anyone shed some light on IR, its functions, duties, responsibilities, etc.?

Please respond urgently.

Regards,
Rajeev

Dear Friend,

In the role covered, develop the harmony with management and workers. Dealing/negotiation with the union. Various activities related to welfare.

Regards,
Mehul

Dear Mehul,

IR is basically implemented in manufacturing industries and organizations, where there is a personnel department instead/along with the HR department. It deals with trade unions, grievance handling, bonus, gratuity, PF, maintaining harmony among workmen and management/trade unions, welfare, strikes, etc.

Regards,
Ashish Tandon

Role of an Industrial Relations (IR) Professional

An IR person's role is more focused on decision-making. They should be able to understand the pulse of their workers and make decisions to ensure peace and harmony exist in a factory. They have to appraise management on whether to undertake certain actions that may create friction and lead to industrial unrest.

The same logic may also be applied in any organization. An IR person should ensure that their employees are paid fair wages and are not subjected to any unfair labor practices. Any decision made should be thoroughly considered for its repercussions before implementation.

Regards,
Murali

The Role of Industrial Relations (IR)

The role of Industrial Relations (IR) can be very wide. This may include:

• Acting as a bridge between the management and workers/employees.
• Advising management on statutory compliance and the effects of decisions on compliance.
• Establishing liaisons with government, labor, local authorities, politicians, etc., who have a major impact on the organization's operations.
• Engaging in employee engagement activities.
• Organizing employee welfare activities.
• Ensuring statutory compliance, especially related to labor laws.
• Handling grievances.

The above points highlight the role of an IR person. The scope of this role may expand significantly based on the size, structure, and needs of the organization.

Regards,
Preetam Deshpande