Unions have played a critical role in establishing safe workplaces with fair pay. However, statistics in Australia show a decline in membership and support for the union movement. Check out the ABS:
http://www.abs.gov.au/Ausstats/abs@.nsf/7d12b0f6763c78caca257061001cc588/592d2f759d9d38a9ca256ec1000766f7!OpenDocument
A quick glance of recent news headlines shows that the traditional support labour government might have given to unions is flailing:
http://www.smh.com.au/news/nswbudget2008/workers-its-your-sacrifice/2008/06/03/1212258826237.html
more to come...
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4 comments:
i think its kinda interesting seeing trade union population decline continuously even though there is a mining boon in australia at the moment, the 2% increase have something to do with that?
or is the mining boon not having much effect on it because people are being part time and cassually employed in order to keep trade unions minimal?
The statistics show a decline in union membership and two causes include the changes in the labour market and the decline in jobs in union industries. During 2003, the highest union rate was in electricity, gas and water supply at 54%, a decline from 72% in 1993.The lowest unionisation rate was in Agriculture, forestry and fishing, at 5% in 2003, down from 10% in 1993.
The article says that jobs in industries like mining and manufacturing has decreased, which I find interesting due to the increased demand in most goods and services, but that could also be because of the introduction of more machinery to replace some workers...interesting stuff!
I've also noticed a change in attitudes towards unions, they're supposed to be good but they're portrayed so negatively now, like in Liberal's election ads, it was such a terrible thing that union bosses would play such a big role in the Labour government, should they be elected.
In the statistics in the first website, I noticed that the biggest percentages on union membership were in the biggest industries, would this be so people are protected in such big workplaces?
I agree with Dan. Why is there such a decrease in trade union, or union in general, interest and participation? would builders be in this category and where would they be among the union rankings? i also agree with what ruby say's, that more machinery coming into the market has replaced many people, and therefore more unemployment.
Good stuff Mr. Nelson..
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