Industrial Relations: The quality of the relationships between mangers and employees in an organisation.

Industrial Dispute: Any conflict between workers and employers.

A Grievance Procedure: The rules agreed between employers and staff for when a workplace issue arises.

Trade Unions: Organisations that represent the views and interests of employees in matters to do with pay nd conditions of employment.

ICTU: (Irish Congress of Trade Unions) A body that speaks and acts for all unions in the ROI.

A Cost-of-living Claim: Arises when employees want their wage to keep up with inflation.

Individual Bargaining: When the employer negotiates individually with an employee.

Collective Bargaining: When n employer negotiates with a group of employees, usually through a trade union representive.

Industrial Relations Act 1990: Law which sets out rules concerning industrial disputes and strikes.

Labour Relations Commission: Established by the Industrial Relations Act 1990 as a specialist agency to help with resolving industrial disputes.

A-work-to-rule: Where employees do their basic job but nothing more.

The Labour Court: Provides an arbitration service by listening to both sides of dispute before recommending solution.

Discrimination: When a person is treated less favourably than someone else.