The Changing Australian Labour Market

Question 1

What is a trade union?

Answer 1

An association of workers that aims to advance the interests of its members by improving wages and working conditions

Question 2

What is the main role for unions?

Answer 2

To represent their member’s interest by negotiating wage increaes, but unions also play a role in presenting employee’s interests in presenting employee’s interests such as training, safety in the workplace and organisational changes such as company restructures.

Question 3

Name the factors that have contributed to a decline in union membership

Answer 3

• Changes to wage determination
• Changes within industries
• Changes in the nature of employment

Question 4

What is the role of unions in the labour market?

Answer 4

They bargain for increased wage outcomes

Question 5

Describe the roles of employer associations (x2)

Answer 5

• They represent and promote the interests of their members by lobbying the government on industrial relations policies
• They assist employers in managing industrial relations issues such as by representing their members in the various industrial tribunals set up to settle industrial disputes