Commentary: The Government's role in industrial relations

Abstract

Since the turn of the century, the Government has played a major role in the country's industrial scene. The interest of successive governments has focussed on two principal areas. First, it has reflected the community's concern that the level of strike activity be minimised and that strikes, when they do occur, are resolved speedily. Second, and more recently, it has been concerned to ensure that the wage bargaining decisions of the parties are consistent with broader economic objectives.