Industrial Relations

Industrial Relations is dynamic, exciting, confusing and always controversial. What is often overlooked is that it is the driving force behind a nation’s growth or stagnation. The interaction of the actors (government, employee and employer) is influenced by the political, social, historic and economic forces in the country.

The unit will examine the economic models that define the Australian and other national industrial relations systems. The subject will examine the impact of COVID, rise and fall of neoliberalism, impact of climate change and AI in the workplace. The introduction of the Australian Secure Job and Better Pay legislation has created a tidal wave of changes for the lowest paid, least powerful workers. These changes are controversial and being met with some scepticism and even hostility in certain sectors.
Students will find that other countries are facing similar challenges and reworking their industrial relation models to meet the changing needs of business and workers.

Through analysis, debate and critical reflection, students will exhibit professional attributes of ethical practice, respect and understanding for cultural diversity in the workplace, and apply this knowledge to determining how it integrates with local and global contexts. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of individual and public good when exploring the complexity of: causes and management of industrial conflict; employment regulation in Australia, management employee relations strategies; the role of unions and governments; industrial tribunals; and enterprise bargaining.