The Role of Government in Industrial Relations

Industry and government work together to keep the economy moving.

The federal government plays a vital role in the industrial operations of the United States. From economic development to taxation laws and labor policies, government actions help bring about a system of uniformity and policy within the workplace.

History

Industrial relations became part of government policy in 1912 when President William Taft appointed an investigative commitee looking into widespread labor conflicts. The U.S. Labor Department was established in 1913.

The Role of Industrial Relations

The government's role in industrial relations is vitally important to the economy and establishes a relationship between employers and trade unions.

Laws

The government establishes laws that must be abided in the workplace. Some of these include taxation, federal minimum wage and child labor laws.

Regulations

In an industrial work setting, many hazards present themselves to workers. One of the most effective watchdogs between the government and the employer is the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). Safety regulations mandated by the government are policed through this organization.

The Most Recent Role

As the economic downturn became reality, the government had to take an aggressive role to try to prevent another Great Depression. Through the Troubled Asset Relief Fund, also known as TARP, money was given to big corporations in trouble to avoid a collapse and drive the economy further down.

References

• Answers.com