The Determinants of Strikes in Australia

Abstract

This paper presents the first detailed analysis of strike determinants in Australia using micro-economic data. Multiple regression analysis, undertaken on data collected from a survey of over 300 workplaces conducted in 1988, leads the authors to conclude that while stoppage frequency is associated with union power, serious stoppages are most affected by employee morale and the nature of the bargaining relationship. This suggests that serious stoppages could be reduced ivith out reducing union power per se, though changes in the award system and management style may be warranted.