Holding the Line

Employer organisations have had greater difficulties than trade unions in creating top-level representation, as this 1989 volume shows. Within Australia, national coordination of employers in fact predates the Australian Council of Trade Unions by over two decades, and provides a story of growth and development of interest to those involved in the changing face of industrial relations. This book examines the coordinating bodies that were established by the middle-sized and larger employers, including the Confederation of Australian Industry. It considers the difficulties which these coordinating bodies have faced. It also examines the symbiotic relationship that existed between Australian employers' associations and the arbitration systems which have played such an important role in regulating the industrial relations of Australia. Dr Plowman's study thus illuminates the unique Australian arbitration and labour relations system with fresh insights and perspectives.