The issue: Company X is a small family company which operates in an industry with a militant union presence. Despite the union presence in the industry, Company X had no exposure to the union in its first 40 years of operation. However, 12 months ago it found itself suddenly confronted with a myriad of demands made by the local organiser of the union. Company X initially sought the assistance of the industry body it was a member of, but soon concluded that it was not able to provide the service Company X was seeking. Company X decided it needed an adviser who not only understood effective industrial relations strategies and the range of relevant laws, but who could also work with the Company to develop its industrial relations skills and knowledge.

How we helped: Firstly, we got to know this business and its workplace culture well. Working from this base, Devine Law at Work has worked with Company X on a wide range of industrial issues in the previous 12 months, including how to:

• manage industrial disputes;
• handle a very difficult employee, who was not only a union delegate but one who engaged in repeated misconduct;
• develop and implement a procedure which led to termination of employees which protected the Company against expensive litigation; and
• develop a working relationship with a union, to enable Company X to get on with business.

Comment: The General Manager of Company X said that, as tough a process as it had been, he and the Company have learned a great deal in the 12 months about how to manage industrial issues. They appreciated having Devine Law at Work as a partner to guide them through

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