Australian Automobile Industry: JIT Production and Labour Relations

Abstract

The Australian vehicle industry has always struggled to remain viable despite relying heavily on government protection. Now it faces the prospect of competing on its own merits, and has turned to JIT as one way to reduce manufacturing costs. However, the resultant exposure of the total supply network to the effects of isolated strikes has become a major concern. This article traces relevant events since JIT became commonplace. The gravity of the situation has forced the principal union and the motor corporations to co‐operate more, but there are fewer restraints on the other unions representing small groups in a host of supplier firms. Attempts are in train to address these structural difficulties too, but they have been greeted with some scepticism.