The rationale and purpose of this module is to explore a range of employment relations themes in a critical perspective. Students will be encouraged to critically analyse different theoretical perspectives on employment relations; the role and behaviour of various actors (employers, employer organisations, trade unions and the State) in employment relations; debates around industrial democracy and the impact of technology on employment relations. The module will aim to foster an understanding of the various changes in employment relations, including debates around the future of work and the impact of technology and hybrid work environments on employment relations.

The various theoretical perspectives on employment relations. The role of trade unions in the world of work, including the future of trade unions in a digital world. The contemporary role of employer organisations and implications for the future. State approaches to employment relations and to what extent this role is becoming more or less relevant. Industrial democracy including employee voice, collective bargaining and non-union firms. The impact of technology on work and employment relations. International and comparative employment relations. The future of work and the implications for employment relations.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: 1. Differentiate the fundamental theories of employment relations. 2. Explain the role of employment relations actors shaping the employment relationship. 3. Compare and contrast the Irish employment relations system in an international and comparative context. 4. Appraise contemporary employment relations issues such as challenges facing trade unions, collective bargaining, industrial democracy and conflict. 5. Examine the implications of technology and digitalisation for employment relations in relation to precarious employment, voice, equity and fairness. 6. Reflect on their own learning processes

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: 7. Challenge the appropriateness of employment relations policies and practices in light of developments in the external and internal contexts.

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The module is taught through a series of in-person and virtual / recorded lectures from the module leader, guest lecturers and practitioners. The module leader will identify and invite speakers across academia and practice to present on contemporary research to provide a real world context. Each week the class is divided into separate learning and pedagogical elements. A lecture to summarise key points of learning, arguments and concepts for a topic. A discussion which allows students collectively as a class, to ask questions and debate concepts or practices via discussion boards and e-tivities. This also serves as a form of feedback as students can assess/benchmark their learning on the topic. Delivery will include face-to-face sessions supported by the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). The VLE will include material such as videos, TedTalks, podcasts and other online resources to help support the learning process for students. Research from the Department of Work and Employment Studies will be incorporated into the syllabus. This will include drawing on a range of research projects such as A Study on the Prevalence of Zero Hours Contracts among Irish Employers and their Impact on Employees, The Impact of Technology on Work, KBS WorkFutures Lab and Digital Transformation of Work.