21702 Industrial Relations

Subject level: Postgraduate

Handbook description

This subject provides an in-depth knowledge of the institutions, processes and forces in Australian industrial relations. The contemporary pressures upon industrial relations and the major legislation affecting the workplace are discussed and analysed. The practical skills required to effectively handle industrial relations are also covered, particularly those relating to grievance procedures, negotiations and advocacy. A number of overseas industrial relations systems are also critically analysed.

Subject objectives/outcomes

On successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

1. understand contemporary Australian industrial relations, the forces giving rise to the current structures and processes and how these relate to government and organisational policies
2. understand and be able to explain the various methods available in the Australian context for handling industrial relations conflicts and setting employment conditions, rights and obligations
3. understand the industrial relations strategic planning process, including issues concerning types of staffing relationships and the role of needed procedures (e.g. grievance procedures).

Contribution to graduate profile

This subject exposes students to the ever increasingly important area of industrial relations. Students learn to appreciate the intricacies of the Australian system, including contemporary issues such as enterprise bargaining; and undertake a comparative analysis of the Australian and overseas industrial relations systems, including a study of the relevant legislation. The subject allows students to gain an insight into the need for comprehensive industrial relations planning processes and thus participants learn strategies that may be executed when certain problems/issues arise in an organisation. By learning practical skills such as negotiation techniques and advocacy, students become equipped to apply their knowledge to conflict situations that may be faced in the workplace.

Teaching and learning strategies

The material for this subject will be presented through lectures, discussion and exercises. Students will develop their industrial relations skills in advocacy and negotiation simulations and their analytical and problem solving skills through their contribution to the analysis of contemporary industrial relations issues.

Content

• Overview of the Australian industrial relations system and the pressures for reform
• Current and changing form and function of employer and employee organisations
• Nature and role of the industrial relations tribunals as well as other relevant regulatory bodies, e.g. EEO and OHS
• The devolution of industrial relations responsibility and the changing role of management in industrial relations
• Key aspects of federal and state industrial relations legislation
• Incidence and causes of industrial conflict and stoppages
• Trends in joint consultation at the workplace
• Problem solving: analysing a problem and identifying options
• Negotiations: the steps, strategies, tactics, limits
• Advocacy: process, approach, strategy, research
• Management's strategic choice.

Assessment

Assessment item 1: Report (Individual)

Assessment item 2: Negotiation Exercise (Group)

Assessment item 3: Advocacy Exercise (Individual)