Cross-Currents in Australian Trade Unionism

Abstract

In common with trade unions throughout the "western world", Australian unions entering the 1980's have difficult times ahead. Grappling not only with the twin evils of high unemployment and inflation rates, but also with organizational structures ill-suited in many respects to cope with the technological revolution, Australian unions are reacting to the realities of today and attempting to anticipate the events of tomorrow. How effectively they are doing either may be gleaned to a large extent by an examination of their most recent deliberations in their "parliament" -the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) in September 1 9 7 9 and surrounding issues and events. This paper seeks to capture the mood and general thrust of current union deliberations in three major areas: ( 1) Organization and Structure; ( 2) Leadership and Ideology; (3) Policy issues. Some of what follows is of peculiarly Australian concern but much of it has wider ramifications highlighting some shared concerns of unionists the world over.