Us and them or we? The extent of collaboration between human resource management and trade union officials : the Malta experience

Abstract

Definitions of human resource management (HRM) and trade union (TU) officials suggest that they should co-exist. The interactivity between unions and management is important especially due to the complexity and dynamically changing environment, organisations and work practices. In Malta, there are a number of organisations forming part of unions and understanding the relationship and the main challenges to nourish a positive relationship is important. Lack of conflict and mutual agreements between the two will result in optimum performance by everyone and beneficial results in the short and long run. This study attempts to outline the extent of collaboration between HRM and TU officials in Malta and understand the different factors leading to differences in the relationship and the level of collaboration. The study will also attempt to analyse if such collaboration will change in private and public sectors and the similarities and difference between the two. Various interviews with open-ended questions were held with TU officials, human resource (HR) managers as well as other stakeholders. The individuals chosen for the interviews came from both the private and the public sector. The findings show that, generally speaking, there is a healthy relationship between HRM and TU officials and this has been improving. There are also quite a few issues and reasons, which affect the level of collaboration. Participants think there is a good level of collaboration between the private and public sector; however, there are some differences with the way they operate, and which will affect the relationship. Based on the study outcomes, recommendations were proposed to current TU officials, HR managers and future researchers who wish to conduct further analysis. It is also expected that this study will be of benefit to practitioners within this field and help in current or potential developing relationships between TU officials and HRM.