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Problem Based Learning

The Labour Market and Industrial Relations

This Problem Based Learning (PBL) exercise focuses on the labour market and industrial relations. It highlights how a small number of workers in key positions can affect the lives of many thousands of people and also highlights the role of trade unions in a modern economy. There are also issues relating to the rights and responsibilities of employers and employees in the workplace - so there are any number of problems to be explored!

Our Guide for Educators provides advice on how to use this resource with both HE and FE students.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of the PBL exercise, students might have covered some of the following:

• Employer and employee rights and responsibilities
• The nature and role of trade unions
• The power of employers and employees in the labour market
• Moral and ethical considerations of trade unions to stakeholders
• Legislation on trade unions
• The role and function of arbitration and conciliation services

Resources:

• The Problem: Industrial action - justified or not?
• References for Investigation: The Labour Market and Industrial Relations