With reference to a minimum of three specific changes to industrial relations regulation advocated by employer associations, evaluate the implications of each change for the bargaining power of employers relative to workers and unions.

Essay question:

The share of national income going to corporate profits is at a record high and wages growth is stagnant, which greatly concerns the Reserve Bank. With reference to a minimum of three specific changes to industrial relations regulation advocated by employer associations (using primary sources), evaluate the implications of each change for the bargaining power of employers relative to workers and unions. Conclude the essay with a comment on Sheldon and Thornthwaite’s (2020) assertion that employers associations’ advocacy lacks social legitimacy and will fail to foster wages growth.

The unit’s required readings will provide a foundation of knowledge for the essay (especially Boxall and Purcell 2016 and the Journal of Industrial Relations articles). You will also need to go to organisations’ websites. Prominent employer associations include the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Business Council of Australia and the Australian Industry Group. Your essay must demonstrate knowledge of the position of at least two employer associations using recent primary sources. The unit’s Twitter feed (embedded in vUWS) also contains links to very recent sources on stakeholders’ position.

Detailed information is on pages 8 – 12 and there are mandatory references that must be included. Please look through everything before starting. Making sure to take into consideration the marking criteria.

This assessment must only be based on Australia. No resources that are about any other country. Strictly Australia.