Introduction: Australian industrial relations in 2014

Abstract

The annual reviews edition of the Journal of Industrial Relations provides an important opportunity to analyse recent developments in Australian industrial relations and to identify indicators of likely trends in the immediate future. This introductory article commences with a brief commentary on contemporary Australian industrial relations, noting first, the diversity of outcomes and second, the ongoing conflict between workers/unions and employers which continues to ensure a critical role for the state. This is followed by brief summaries of the review articles included in this edition. Most of the articles are focused on developments in Australian industrial relations in terms of legislation, the labour market, tribunal decisions, the position of women, and activities of employer associations and unions. In addition, two internationally focused review articles are included, one of which considers the right to strike in China and the other canvasses the literature on Global Union Federations.