Definition Of Terms

  To disignate the function of personnel administration, the terms "industrial relation" and "labor relation" are sometimes used interchangeably with it, although the differences should be noted. In a large organization, the title "vice-president, industrial relation" or "director of industrial relations" will be given to an executive who is an expert in both labor relations and personnel administration. He may have reporting to him a labor relations manager and a personnel manager. A major part of his duties is to represent or assist top management in negotiations with one or more unions. The term "labor relations" refers only to the relations between management and unionized labor, including contract negotiation and the usual workaday relations ships with shop stewards and business agents.