The Operation of Western Australian Unions and the Prospects for Collective Bargaining

Abstract

In an attempt to analyse the dealings of unions and management in Western Australia and to compare those findings with an earlier study in New South Wales, the author has conducted a direct negotiation survey utilising an inter view schedule developed for the New South Wales study. Union characteristics, especially the job of the union secretary, are examined in the light of the present conduct of direct negotiation in Western Australia. In attempting to gauge the prospects for the future development of collective bargaining, the author presents findings on the level of union resources, the degree of cohesive- ness of negotiating units, the likelihood of commitment to an agreement once it is signed and the current provision of third party neutrals within the Western Australian industrial relations system. The conclusion is that Western Australian unions operate largely within the State system and that direct negotiation is increasing despite difficulties over the lack of "industrial muscle", union size, union multiplicity and the lack of union resources. The data indicate that a number of steps need to be taken to provide a more comprehensive framework for the movement towards collective bargaining.