Question

Airlines are comprised of many types of employees, responsible for various essential functions, to maintain an effective operation of the airline.

Discuss the core components of employee relations within a current airline. You may discuss employee relations from a recruiting, training, or performance management perspective, etc.

Answer 1

Effective employee relations within the airline industry is very important. Almost every airline experiences challenges with employee strikes especially over pay rise and other issues. British Airline, for instance, has faced several employee strikes over the years. The major cause is usually over pay. Airlines tend to apply the cost strategy in order to achieve competitive advantage. This has led to cutting on labor costs at times which results in conflict between the airline and the employees. The performance also matters a lot. The airline industry regularly trains their staff in order to achieve improved customer service.

Employee relations in the airline industry is a matter is considered critical in the airline industry. The staff are individuals with different skills, functions or level of expertise such as pilots, different officials of the flight crew, engineers, customer care officials, among several others. These are individuals that are paid differently and often there has been complaints that some employees are not compensated well in relation to their job while there are others who may be considered below them who may be compensated fairly. With the high need to achieve competitive advantage, airlines such as British, Singapore Airlines and other Airlines within the industry have opted for cost effective by cutting on labor costs. Sometimes a major number of workers are laid off while others who continue working may feel as if they're not fairly compensated. Considering the cost of living, the employers need to address the issue of compensation and this has led to offering total compensation package that considers the various benefits that may motivate the employees.

However, employee relations in the airline industry is not only about compensation. The staff members have a right to join a union and be involved in various decision making activities affecting them. The major Airlines regularly involve their workers in matters affecting them and those that do not end up experiencing barriers from the unions while implementing changes. A lot of airline strikes are usually based on issues over pay or decisions that were made without involving them in decision making matters.

Employee training is also considered very important in the airline industry. The employees work under much pressure to meet international standards and changing customer needs. They require regular training and development in order to improve their performance. Most airline industries have taken this an essential step towards achieving a strong brand. Employee training programs are considered as a tool for enhancing employee career growth and development and is a motivating factor.