Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives On completion of this subject students should be able to describe the main institutional features and key developments in the Australian industrial relations system, extend their knowledge of employee relations via the undirected study of books and articles dealing with theory policy and contemporary issues in this area; draw on their knowledge to critically evaluate proposals to change the Australian system of industrial relations; appreciate the impact of policy programs on workplace employee relations.
Synopsis Industrial relations system - theory: the environment, the external influences and the international context; the role of the parties in an industrial relations system - employees: trade unions, management/employers, employer associations, government and tribunals; industrial conflict and change; processes of conflict resolution: negotiations and mediations, conciliation and arbitration, collective bargaining and enterprise bargaining; outcomes: awards, certified agreements, enterprise flexibility agreements; current issues with special reference to Australia: labour market reforms, decentralisation and deregulation of the industrial relations system, the management of employee relations and workplace reforms.
Assessment Written case study, assignment and a media portfolio (5000 words): 55% + Class work: 15% + Examination: (2 hours) 30%