SECTION B: [25 MARKS]

has just completed her degree in HRM from BOU. After struggling with unemployment, she applies for internship at the ministry of labour and home affairs. She manages to work for six months when she comes across an advert in one of the local newspapers. She applies for the junior management post advertised by Insignificant Agents (Pty) Limited and she has been subsequently called for an interview. During the course of the interview, she is asked about her background, abilities, qualifications and experience and she responds candidly and honestly. During the interview, she has the impression that the interview is progressing very well, until, right at the end, the chairperson of the interviewing panel asks her about trade unions. Her views on Trade Unions and whether, if employed, she would consider joining a trade union. As a maverick person, she expresses her approval for trade unions and their role in representing the interests of workers and that she would probably join a trade union if she were appointed to the post. Neo is shocked when the chairperson of the interviewing panel points out that Insignificant Agents (Pty) Limited does not approve of managers joining trade unions. Three days later, Neo receives a fax informing her that her application has been unsuccessful; no reasons are given. She approaches you for advice and she is sure that her remarks in support of trade unionism and her indication that she would probably join a trade union might have been the cause of her problems.

a. What would your response to Neo be, given the protection of persons seeking employment in terms of statutory labour relations system? (2 Marks)

b. Address the concept of freedom of association in your answer and indicate what steps Neo can take if a dispute were to be declared. (4 Marks)

c. In relation to industrial relations, there are three major perspectives that contrast in their approach to the nature of workplace relations. Identify and explain the 3 views that are generally described as perspectives in industrial relations (9 Marks)

d. If Neo gets the position, she may want to discuss the workings of trade unions with her employers in order for them to understand the role-players better. If you were Neo, how would you describe trade unions as one of the role-players in labor/industrial relations? (4 Marks)

e. Discuss any 6 methods trade unions use to achieve their objectives. (6 Marks