The functions performed by trade unions can be classified into two groups: 

i.) Militant Functions

ii.) Fraternal Functions

Militant functions :

These activities include strike, lock outs, gherao etc which means putting up a fight with the management. Hence, they are called militant functions. They are carried out for following purposes: 

a.) Rise in wages

b.) Rise in the status of workers

c.) Protection against injustice

Fraternal functions :

These functions are carried out by the trade unions for the welfare of their employees which includes: 

a.) Measures to boost up the workers’ morale

b.) Foster self confidence

c.) Develop sincerity and discipline

d.) Protection to women workers against discrimination

The main parties involved in the IR system are: 

i.) Employers – They are the ones who possess the rights to hire the employees and remove them. They also possess the rights to relocate, close or merge the business. They can opt for technological changes as and when they see it in the interest of business. 

ii.) Employees – They are actually the ones who keep the business moving. They possess the rights to voice their opinions and feelings while striving for betterment. They usually form the unions to negotiate with the employers.

iii.) Government – Government is the one who influences the IR system with laws, rules, agreements, awards of court etc. They also include third parties & labour and tribunal courts to manage the IR system.

Tips

It would be wise to save this question for the interviewing manager, and not for a peer/technical discussion. Nobody likes a kiss-up, but letting management know that you will communicate openly and honestly with them, always scores big points. The last part of the question can be a good barometer about how easy it will be to become a top performer. You can follow up with a discussion of how you have been successful in your previous jobs.

Tips :

Use your background research to support your answer. Look at aspects such as the commitment to health care provision, innovations in patient care, the community it serves.

Tips : 

Healthcare systems globally are struggling to meet the demands of the populations they serve. One of the major problems is the current shortage of trained nurses. Use your interview answer to demonstrate that you have thought about this issue and offer up some reasons as to why there is such a shortage of skilled nurses.

Possible reasons include low nursing school enrollment due to poor perceptions of nursing as a fairly rewarded career and nurses leaving the profession before retirement age due to job dissatisfaction. You need to be able to show your interest in nursing as a career by demonstrating that you have thought about the current and future issues facing nurses.

Sample Answers :

I stay informed by being active with the American Nurses Association, participating in their continuing education programs, and attending at least one yearly seminar.

I subscribe to several trade publications, which I find to have the latest information on current findings and practices.

I enjoy attending the conventions and seminars that come to our area several times a year, as I find meeting with other nurses in panel discussions and lectures to be informative academically and practically

Tips :

Make your answer relevant to the specific nursing job. For example common qualities required for successful performance as an ER Nurse include adaptability, resilience, critical thinking, organization and planning, emotional stability and high stress tolerance.

Sample Answers :

I would listen to their concerns, and reassure them that I was doing my very best for their loved one.

 Sometimes family members are looking for someone or something to blame for what their loved one is going through. I would try to reassure them that the patient was getting the best quality of care available.

 I would listen to their concerns, and make sure that if any were well founded they were addressed immediately.