The School of Industrial Relations at the Université de Montréal (École de relations industrielles de l’Université de Montréal or ÉRI) is one of the major centres for the study of work and employment in North America
ÉRI brings together specialists in the areas of human resources management, labour relations, labour law, labour economics, public policies on work and employment, occupational health and safety, and comparative employment relations. It was founded in 1945 by a Jesuit, Father Émile Bouvier.
In terms of research, the School of Industrial Relations stands out for its research grants, publications, and scientific outreach. Research units linked to the School include a major research centre (Centre de recherche interuniversitaire sur la mondialisation et le travail [CRIMT]), a research institute (Institut Michael D. Penner sur les enjeux environnementaux, sociaux et de gouvernance), two observatories (Observatoire sur la santé et le mieux-être au travail and Observatoire Banque Scotia en innovation du développement durable), and two research chairs (Chaire BMO – Diversité et gouvernance and MYRIAGONE – Chaire McConnell-Université de Montréal en mobilisation des connaissances jeunesse).
Navigating the field of industrial relations
The field of Industrial relations broadly refers to the relations between management and workers in workplaces. This involves consideration of a wide range of social, economic, and psychological factors, as understanding more about such relations can help pave the way to improved working conditions and, therefore, an improved quality of life.
Industrial relations is thus a multidisciplinary academic field that studies employment relationships, worker-management relations and the labour market as a whole, in addition to the interactions and interrelations between employers, employees, trade union organisations, employer organisations, and government.
