University Of Technology Sydneyweek 1 Subject Overviewno Requ ✓ Solved
WEEK 1 – SUBJECT OVERVIEW No required readings. Please familiarise yourself with the Subject Outline and subject expectations.
WEEK 2 – INTRODUCTION AND KEY ELEMENTS OF INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS
WEEK 3 – THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES AND HISTORICAL OVERVIEW OF THE AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS SYSTEM
WEEK 4 – THE PARTIES – THE STATE
WEEK 5 – THE PARTIES – MANAGEMENT
WEEK 6 – THE PARTIES – EMPLOYEE REPRESENTATION (UNION & NON-UNION)
WEEK 7 – FRAMEWORK: THE FAIR WORK ACT 2009
WEEK 8 – BARGAINING STRUCTURES AND PROCESSES
WEEK 9 – NEGOTIATIONS FUNDAMENTALS, SUB-PROCESSES AND CONTEXTS
WEEK 10 – WOMEN AND INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS
WEEK 11 – CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS
WEEK 12 – SUBJECT REVISION AND EXAM GUIDANCE Review key subject readings in preparation for discussion about the Final Exam.
Paper For Above Instructions
The field of industrial relations (IR) is multifaceted, encompassing the complex interactions between various parties including the workforce, management, and the state. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the subject matter as indicated in the provided schedule from the University of Technology Sydney. We will explore key themes across the weeks including the important theoretical frameworks, the evolution of industrial relations in Australia, the roles of key stakeholders, and ongoing contemporary issues.
Week 1: Subject Overview
The initial week serves as an introduction, laying the groundwork for understanding Industrial Relations without requiring preliminary readings. It emphasizes familiarization with the subject outline, highlighting expectations and prerequisites for students pursuing studies in this domain. The significance of understanding the framework of industrial relations cannot be overstated, as it provides context for the study of labor/management relations.
Week 2: Introduction and Key Elements of Industrial Relations
This week focuses on the foundational concepts of IR, introducing students to the key elements that define the employment relationship. The readings assigned include Bray et al. (2018), which encapsulates essential theories and practices necessary for understanding employment relations in contemporary contexts (Bray, Cooper, Waring & MacNeil, 2018). The journal article by Spooner and Haider (2006) further elaborates on defining the employment relationship, elucidating the nuances inherent in this dynamic. Additionally, Stewart and Stanford's (2017) work on the gig economy will present students with insights into modern variations of work arrangements.
Week 3: Theoretical Perspectives and Historical Overview
Students will delve into historical analyses of the Australian industrial relations system. The readings from Bray et al. (2018) along with Hyman (1994) provide both theoretical frameworks and historical context, essential for appreciating current practices in IR. Pocock’s (1997) contribution focusing on gender within IR will help illuminate the evolving role of gender in labor relations.
Week 4: The Parties – The State
This week shifts focus to the state's role within IR. The readings from Ellem and Cooper (2008) and Treuren (2000) discuss the interplay between the state, trade unions, and collective bargaining practices, framed within a neoliberal context. This segment aims to link historical developments with contemporary practices, enhancing students’ understanding of the regulatory environment impacting labor relations.
Week 5: The Parties – Management
An examination of management’s role in IR reveals complexities regarding employer and employer association dynamics. Bray et al. (2018) provide an insightful analysis of contemporary challenges facing management, while Thornthwaite and Sheldon (2019) discuss the evolving influences impacting employer associations and labor relations.
Week 6: Employee Representation
Understanding employee representation, both unionized and non-unionized, is critical in contemporary labor negotiation contexts. The dynamics discussed in Bray et al. (2018) and Minter’s (2017) work provide insights into practical labor standards and negotiation practices in the gig economy, illustrating shifts in traditional labor roles.
Week 7: Framework – The Fair Work Act 2009
The Fair Work Act represents a pivotal point in Australian labor relations, moving towards a comprehensive framework that seeks to enforce workplace rights and protections. Textbook chapters from Bray et al. (2018) and information from Fair Work Ombudsman emphasize this critical legislation. Studying the Fair Work Commission’s operations provides students with knowledge about enforcement mechanisms ensuring fair treatment in the workplace.
Week 8: Bargaining Structures and Processes
Effective bargaining structures are vital for achieving constructive labor negotiations. Bray et al. (2018) outline various bargaining processes, augmented by Hamberger’s (2020) analysis of enterprise bargaining revisions. Understanding these processes is crucial for both management and labor representatives in developing effective negotiation strategies.
Week 9: Negotiations Fundamentals
Fundamentals of negotiations are addressed through key literature such as Lewicki et al. (2010) and McKersie & Cutcher-Gershenfeld (2009). These readings provide students with the necessary tools to understand negotiation dynamics and practice effective strategies in labor-management contexts.
Week 10: Women and Industrial Relations
This week emphasizes the gendered perspectives within industrial relations, critically analyzing contributions by Williamson et al. (2019) and Rubery & Hebson (2018). A gender lens on employment relations uncovers systemic biases and highlights opportunities for equitable practices within workplaces.
Week 11: Contemporary Issues in Industrial Relations
The paper transitions into analyzing contemporary challenges faced in industrial relations, referencing significant issues raised by Newman & Humphrys (2019) and Baird & Hamilton (2020). The impact of technology, such as AI and automation, are further explored in McKinsey's reports, which provide valuable insights into future labor market dynamics and the potential need for active workers’ advocacy.
Week 12: Subject Revision and Exam Guidance
The final week prioritizes revision, focusing on consolidating knowledge gained throughout the course. Preparing for discussions about the final exam underlines the necessity of understanding key readings and major themes encompassing industrial relations.
Conclusion
The subjects covered within this course are designed to equip students with comprehensive knowledge and analytical skills pertinent to industrial relations. This exploration highlights the evolution of the field and the ongoing relevance of contemporary issues that shape labor dynamics.
References
- Baird, M., & Hamilton, M. (2020). Working from home is nothing new to mothers. Sydney Morning Herald.
- Bray, M., Cooper, R., Waring, P., & MacNeil, J. (2018). Employment Relations: Theory and Practice (4th ed.). McGraw-Hill.
- Dabscheck, B. (2000). The Australian Waterfront Dispute and Theories of the State. Journal of Industrial Relations.
- Ellem, B., & Cooper, R. (2008). The Neoliberal State, Trade Unions and Collective Bargaining in Australia. British Journal of Industrial Relations.
- Fair Work Ombudsman. (n.d.). Australia’s industrial relations timeline.
- Hamberger, J. (2020). Revising Australia’s system of enterprise bargaining. Journal of Industrial Relations.
- Lewicki, R. J., Barry, B., & Saunders, D. M. (2010). Negotiation (6th ed.). McGraw-Hill.
- McKinsey Global Institute. (2018). AI, automation, and the future of work: Ten things to solve for.
- Williamson, I., Foley, M., & Cartwright, S. (2019). Women, work and industrial relations in Australia in 2018. Journal of Industrial Relations.
- Wright, C. F., & Lansbury, R. D. (2016). Employment Relations in Australia. In G. J. Bamber, R. D. Lansbury, N. Wailes, & C. F. Wright (Eds.), International and Comparative Employment Relations (6th ed.). Sage.