Introduction
According to reports, unions are one of the major elements that have shaped the numerous components that make up the rich history of the United States of America. There are numerous unions consisting of employees from various sectors of the economy that have influenced a number of benefits that Americans currently enjoy. Unions fight for the rights of employees that include good remuneration, safety in the workplace, civic participation, provision of health care cover, and deserving retirement benefits (Yates, 2009). Unions have managed to bring employees across the country together. In addition, they have promoted good relationship between employees and their employers (Yates, 2009).
Increasing the role of unions
Considering the huge contributions that unions have made in the country over the years, I believe that they deserve to have more roles in order to move the country to the next level. The first huddle that unions have helped the country move away from is child labor that characterized the employment sector in the 20th Century (Yates, 2009). The unions formed during this era focused their advocacy towards promoting the safety of employees in the workplace, as well as ensuring that employers paid their workers deservingly. The second challenge that unions have helped the country address over the years is that of unemployment and limited training opportunities (Yates, 2009).
Apart from the military, unions in the United States run very effective and successful training programs that help to equip people with various skills and competencies necessary in meeting the demand for skilled labor. Graduates from these programs often secure stable jobs in various sectors of the economy (Yates, 2009). Unions have a huge impact on every aspect that contributes to development in the country, thus the need to give them more roles because their input will promote sustainable development.
Role of HRM personnel in employee relations
Effective human resource management is one of the key elements that influence organizational success. In order to achieve this feat, employees ought to have good relations with each other (Rollinson & Dundon, 2011). Human resource management personnel have a huge role to play with regard to ensuring the success of employee relations. First, they should develop workplace policies that encourage employees to work in teams because they increase the level of interaction (Williams, 2014).
Second, they should organize team-building events involving all employees because they promote interaction beyond their work responsibilities. Third, the human resource personnel should advocate for an inclusive decision-making process (Rollinson & Dundon, 2011). According to management experts, encouraging employee input in the decision-making process helps to increase their satisfaction levels, thus lowering the chances of conflicts erupting in the workplace. Human resource personnel should also ensure that all new employees get a warm reception from everyone (Williams, 2014).
The role of government
The government also plays a crucial role in promoting employee relations within the workplace. First, the government is responsible for developing legislation that guides the manner in which employers should treat their employees (Williams, 2014). Such legal frameworks are crucial in ensuring that employees work in environments that encourage interaction, professional growth, and mutual respect for each other (Rollinson & Dundon, 2011). Second, the government should set the minimum wage for employees in order to protect them from exploitation by their employers. This helps to increase flexibility in the workplace because their will be few sources of conflict (Rollinson & Dundon, 2011).
Third, the government should promote the right of employees to be appreciated for their input (Williams, 2014). This plays a huge role in encouraging good workplace relations because the motivation and job satisfaction levels of employees are always high.
References
Rollinson, D., & Dundon, T. (2011). Understanding Employment Relations. New York: McGraw-Hill Higher Education.
Williams, S. (2014). Introducing Employment Relations: A Critical Approach. London: OUP Oxford.
Yates, M. (2009). Why Unions Matter. New York: New York University Press.