Understanding Employment Relations

1. Theories and ConceptsIntroductionDefining employment relationsThe legitimacy of workplace authorityFrames of referencePostmodernist theoriesThe role of theory2. The Context of Employment RelationsIntroductionThe Australian ‘context’Stability and predictabilityUncertainty and transitionDynamism and unpredictability3. Trade UnionsIntroductionWhat is a trade union?Theories of trade unionismTrade unions by membership typeA brief history of Australian trade unionismTrade union structureTrade union membership4. Employers and Employer AssociationsIntroductionDefining employer associationHistory of employer associations in AustraliaTypes of employer associationsTheories of employer associationsAustralian employer association strategiesThe future of employer associations5. The State and Employment RelationsIntroductionDefining the ‘state’The rationale for state intervention in employment relationsTheories of the stateThe Australian state and employment relationsCommon lawConstitutional lawStatute lawEvolution of the federal systemThe Fair Work Act 2009Building industry legislationThe common lawLooking ahead6. Making AgreementsIntroductionConcepts of agreement-makingTypes of agreement-makingAwardsEnterprise agreementsCurrent debates about agreement-making7. Wage DeterminationIntroductionTypes and determinants of wagesHistorical wage determinationAustralian wage statisticsCritical issues in labour relations8. Conflict and NegotiationIntroductionTypes of conflictTheories on conflictIndustrial conflict in AustraliaDispute resolution in Australia9. Employment Relations and DiversityIntroductionThe diversity of the Australian workforceThe laws and diversityDiversity and employment relations10. Workplace Health and SafetyIntroductionWhat is health and safety?Federal and state legislationA new direction for health and safety in Australia?Emerging and current issues in health and safetyWorkers’ compensation11. Industrial Relations and HRMIntroductionThe emergence of HRMThe role of HRMThe HR professionalDistinguishing HR and IRTogether or apart: A new direction for IR and HRM?Measuring HR policies12. Engaging Labour in the WorkplaceIntroductionDistinguishing employee participation and employee involvementPerspectives held towards employee participation and involvementEmployee participation and involvement in practiceThe legal requirements of employee participation in Australia