• Semester 1 (External)

Synopsis

The  unit  consists  of  three parts. The first  sets  the  scene  for
examining  the various issues by introducing students to  developments
in  the 1990s, providing an introduction to collective bargaining, and
considering  the  ideological frameworks  underpinning  the  different
approaches to reform. The second part consists of a selection of  five
issues,  commencing with an examination of the issues  raised  in  the
Workplace  Relations  Act. One of the imperatives  for  change  was  a
perceived  need  for Australian business to become  more  competitive.
Micro-economic   reform  was  discussed  in  terms  of   productivity,
efficiency  and  flexibility. Several cases from 1994  onwards  raised
questions about the nature of work arrangements, in particular whether
they  should  be collective or individualised. Trade union  membership
has  declined significantly during the past decade. Trade union reform
and  decline will be considered within the context of what unions  do.
The  final  issue  will  be  the questions of  equity  and  ethics  in
Australian  industrial relations. Case studies  relating  to  the  key
issues will be utilised