Industrial Action (SQA National 5 Business Management): Revision Note

Forms of industrial action

• Industrial action happens when employees protest against their employer to show disagreement over pay, working conditions, or other employment issues

  • The action is usually organised by trade unions when discussions between management and employees break down

The main forms of industrial action

The employer/employee relationship

• Good relationships between employers and employees help prevent industrial action

• Businesses can build these relationships by

  • Communicating openly and keeping employees informed about business decisions

  • Consulting staff or unions before major changes, such as restructuring or redundancies

  • Recognising and rewarding effort, both financially and through praise or promotion

  • Offering training and development, which shows long-term investment in employees

  • Encouraging teamwork and respect between managers and workers

  • Using fair disciplinary procedures and treating everyone equally

• Strong working relationships increase trust, motivation and cooperation, reducing the risk of disputes

Causes and consequences of industrial action

• Employees or trade unions may take industrial action for several reasons, such as:

  • Pay disputes, when workers believe wages are unfair or have not risen with inflation

  • Poor working conditions, such as unsafe or stressful environments

  • Job security concerns during redundancies or business closures

  • Disagreements over hours or contracts, such as changes to shift patterns

  • Lack of communication or respect from management

  • Failure to recognise a trade union or respond to staff concerns

• Industrial action is usually a last resort, taken after attempts to negotiate or resolve issues have failed

Impact of industrial action