This module provides students with an opportunity to learn about various theoretical perspectives on employment relations and to develop their ability to think critically about the subject. It outlines the role of the State, trade unions and employers in industrial relations in Ireland.¿ It presents the historical and economic context in which various perspectives on employment relations emerged and became operational and encourages students to evaluate the demands and practical consequences they have today in achieving decent and sustainable work for citizens.

The role and function of trade unions and employer organisations in a societal and comparative context; The role and operation of state institutions; Voluntarism and legalism in Irish employment relations; The practical operation of dismissals and equality legislation in the workplace; Public sector employment relations; The nature of conflict in employment relations, including strikes; National and workplace partnership, including the role and performance of national pay agreements; Recent legislation on trade disputes and trade unions;¿ Contemporary national and international developments in employment relations.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Describe the history of employment relations in Ireland Critically evaluate different theoretical perspectives on employment relations¿ Examine the roles of the 'actors' in employment relations, such as employers, employees, trade unions, the State and international bodies in enabling people to have voice in the decisions which affect them in the workplace¿ Analyse the impact of employment legislation on individuals and organisations¿ Demonstrate an understanding of different employment relations processes, policies, practices and contemporary developments

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Value the ethical and responsible management of the employment relationship and the importance of raising concerns about practices that are not consistent with regulation or ethical values¿

N/A

This module will be delivered through lectures and tutorials. Lectures will focus on material drawn from the leading Irish textbooks, relevant employment relations research (including the lecturers own research activity) and contemporary debates in employment relations. The tutorials will focus on the completion of worksheets and discussion and analysis of case studies. Throughout the module students will develop critical thinking skills and learn to apply knowledge to real world business issues, encouraging them to become curious (problem-solver, critical, knowledgeable, inquisitive, imaginative). Students will be encouraged to be ambitious and proactively contribute to the management of employment relations in their capacity as an employee, manager, trade union representative, policymaker, employer or shareholder, providing them with the opportunity to develop the UL graduate attributes of agile (open-minded, independent, adaptive, flexible, responsive in actions) and courageous (tenacious, resilient, robust, transformative, enterprising, innovative). The importance of behaving responsibly in the management of employment relations is emphasised and students assess the impact that decisions made in business have not just at an individual and organisational level but also on society in general.¿Thus, students will be also encouraged to be responsible (personally, socially, professionally, sustainably and ethically responsible).