Industrial Relations Reform

Drawing upon a wide range of empirical data, this updated and revised edition charts the changes in workplace industrial relations, assesses various attempts at reform and evaluates the analytical approaches which have prevailed since the 1960s.

Industrial relations is critically important for economic performance as well as the social cohesion of a nation. In Australia, industrial relations has been subject to numerous reforms by both Labor and Liberal-National Party Coalition governments during recent decades.This book critically analyses recent changes in work and employment relations and their policy implications for Australia. Scholarly essays by prominent experts in the field examine the lessons that can be learned from previous attempts to reform industrial relations by governments with different political agendas and challenges which may lie ahead.Some of the key questions addressed in this book include:What can be learned from past attempts to reform the industrial relations system?What have been the impacts of recent legislative reforms from the Howard government's 'WorkChoices' to the Rudd/Gillard government's 'Fair Work Australia' and the recent Abbott/Turnbull government's policies on industrial relations?How does politics influence proposals for industrial relations reform?What reforms are required in relation to women, work and family issues?How should collective bargaining and dispute settlement systems be reformed?How have wages and productivity been affected by reforms of the industrial relations system?What are the key issues facing Australia in relation to immigration and workforce skills?The book is based on a symposium which celebrated the outstanding contributions of Professor Joe Isaac to scholarship and the practice of industrial relations in Australia and at the international level for more than seven decades.In the media...What has happened to collective bargaining since the end of WorkChoices?, The Conversation, 2 May 2016 Read article...

This is a very thoughtful treatment of an important subject. It is accessible to both general and professional readers.Ray Marshall, Former Secretary of Labor Member, Commision on the Future of Worker/Management Relations

Are you up to date with all the recent developments under Work Choices? Looking for background on the Independent Contractors Bill? Need a handy guide that includes current analysis on the Regulations? Introduction to the Industrial Relations Reforms is an easy to use introduction to our new industrial relations system under Work Choices. This practical book is written by Australia's leading employment law experts from Freehills' Employee Relations Group. Written in simple language, this book explains the impact of Work Choices and related reforms within the commercial context. It also explores how management can use the new system to address workplace issues. The Most Comprehensive Resource Available Introduction to the Industrial Relations Reforms offers unique, comprehensive commentary and analysis of the renumbered Workplace Relations Act released in March 2006; new Regulations released in March 2006; as well a discussion of the background to, and Government position on the Independent Contractors Bill, tabled in May 2006, and its implications. You can be sure you have the complete information at your fingertips. An introductory chapter provides a big picture of the reforms and a historical overview. Each chapter explains statutory changes to key aspects of the system, with a comparative analysis between new and superseded sections of the Act. INTRODUCTION TO THE INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS REFORMS, superior in its coverage, is a vital resource for any professional needing a complete practical guide to workplace reforms.

The contents of this book include discussions of the role of the law in industrial relations, the call for legislative reform, business' view of the demand for reform by the unions, unions negotiating with the administration, drafting legislation, the American business community's lobbying activity and more.

Managing Competitive Crisis examines how competitive crisis affected the management of work relations in Britain between 1979 and 1991.