Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives On completion of this subject students should understand the structures of the traditionally dominant centralised system of wage-fixation; the factors currently influencing wage levels at the enterprise level and the difficulties arising from the tensions inherent in the mixture of centralised and enterprise-based wage-fixing systems.
Synopsis The subject is divided into three parts. The first deals with the basic institutions of formalised industrial relations in Australia, including their origins, structure and processes. The second part examines the centralised wage fixing system operated by industrial tribunals, including the history of wage-fixing principles, current wage principles, and the wage policies of unions, employers and governments. The third section examines workplace wage payment systems and incentive systems, including payments-by-results, time-rate systems, overtime control, shift-work systems, measured day-work, job evaluation, profit-sharing, performance appraisal, and systems for employment/labour cost flexibility. The primary object of the subject is to familiarise students with the practical operation of wage fixation at both the tribunal and enterprise levels, and the problems and prospects for integrating these two spheres of wage determination.
Assessment Written (assignments 4000 words): 40% + Take-home examination: 60%