Day 11 - Re-aligning Industrial Relations...

Have you ever seen two dogs fighting? No...only when a third one comes in - only then will you see them fight.....(if you do not agree - please do a survey...!!!) and would you normally consult your neighbour to solve your martial problems..I think not!!! Exactly ..it would be better that you solve them yourselves - otherwise, your spouse will hold your neighbour in higher regard than he/she does you!!! To liken industrial relations to the scenarios above - it is indeed a first for me.....and to be quite honest - it makes more sense as Tripartism and Bipartism is now looked upon under new light....wow!!

The session on Industrial Relations was very cleverly presented to say the least. I mean, I deal with Indstrial Relations on a daily basis - this delivery has definitely shed some light on things that need to be noted and kept in mind. For example, whilst we have Tripartism mechanisms - it would only be better for the organisation that we deal with our issues internally - for all you know your third party could have ulterior motives or have allegiances to parties and groups that conflict with your organisation's interest - obviously you will be at the losing end!!! What an insight!!

The mechanisms that are there include Conciliation, Arbitration and eventually, adjudication.

Dr. Pandey advised us that there needs to be a move from Industrial Relations to Human Relations - in essence, we are to give respect to our people ...a third party does not know your organisation like you do..therefore it is highly advisable that you and your union members/colleagues deal with and discuss your issues...- treat people in the manner you wish to be treated.....of course, the transition between the two concepts will not come automatically, but the following insights will assist:

i. Must treat people with dignity

ii. Must treat people as individuals - we make the culture in our organisations - apparently God does not make it for us - very true!!!!

iii. We must have a good understanding of people - people are changing in their nature nowadays - we do not need to look very far - in our very homes...an example is given of how before, kids would consider it their duty to bring parents a cup of water and would be more than willing to do so.. etc, however, nowadays, when you ask a child to bring a cup of water for you - the response could very well be...'areh papa...you can get it yourself...yah!!!..lols...'..I would give the little kid a good slap....that's what I would do...lols...but the lesson here is to understand the changing and evolving attitudes of people... How times have changed....of great importance is to adapt yourselves to these changes - understand how your people have changed and react accordingly.

I could write more on the lecture - but suffice to say that the lecture was well delivered, had great insights and drew relevant parallels to our daily family lives. What a great end to the day.

MKN