This paper makes use of nationally representative data to examine inter-industry differences in employee relations in Australia in the late 1990s. As well, change over time in employee relations is considered. Results indicate that across most industries, working hours have remained fairly constant while real earnings have increased for full-time adult workers.
Industrial disputes are at a record low.
Further, labour mobility and work-related injuries stand at comparatively low levels. On the other hand, absenteeism rates have risen slightly, at least for women, while training provision has fallen. No uniform inter-industry patterns were found in the results, with some industries performing well on some of the measures, but not on others. This report outlines the key features of recent developments in collective bargaining in a number of overseas countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, other OECD countries and South Korea. In doing so, the implications are drawn for Australian industrial relations and the regulation thereof.