The Case for More Collective Bargaining in Australia

Abstract

Australia's unique approach to industrial dispute resolution prompts con tinuing analysis of the relative merits of compulsory arbitration and collective bargaining. This paper is a further contribution to that literature. A conceptual distinction between conciliation, arbitration and bargaining is developed, followed by an examination of the operational differences. Attention also is given to the impact arbitration has had in shaping the institutional and attitudinal environment within which collective bargaining will operate as it continues to emerge into prominence in Australia. The aim is to show that many of the supposed advantages of non-voluntary arbitration turn out either to be present or achievable within the collective bargaining mode, or are, in fact, the sources of undesirable secondary conse quences. Apart from this, collective bargaining is seen as an inherently superior process for various reasons, including the role played by the third party neutral and the enhanced prospect for genuine resolution of disputes.