Over one hundred years ago, the Australian Workers Union (A.W.U) stood at the forefront of the most significant industrial battle in the Australian workplace. It was a fight over "freedom of contract". The pastoralists, the employers in Australia's wool industry, wanted the "freedom" to employ non-union labour. The AWU said "no", who rules in the workplace? Does the boss have all the control? To what extent should the boss negotiate pay and conditions with workers, or a union? The unions were not strong enough to win these battles against the united might of employers, and governments willing to use the law, police and military - to help the pastoralists win the industrial struggle.

Federation in 1901 brought a Commonwealth industrial relations system. The AWU was the first union to secure a federal award under the new conciliation and arbitration system - the Pastoral Industry Award. With this award, the AWU was able to ensure that workers had a say in pay rates and workplace conditions. That precedent continued to guide Australian indu

Potential applicants will be made aware at the outset of the potential for costs orders before their applicants are filed. For unlawful termination, the following provisions apply nationally - requirement to provide minimum notice or pay in lieu; dismissal on grounds which are discriminatory will not be allowed; and the requirement to notify the CES of any decision to terminate the employment of 15 or more employees on redundancy grounds. Workers can have improved access to part-time work, with reasonably predictable hours of work and pro rata conditions. The Act will help workers to balance their work and family responsibilities effectively. The Employment Advocate will have particular regard for the needs of workers in a disadvantaged bargaining position (for example, women, young people and people from a non-English speaking background). For young people, there are new industrial arrangements for apprentices and trainees.

It is clear that the intent of the Workplace Relations Act is to de-unionise the workplace and give greater ability to employers to wield power over workers.

-federal award employees employed in relation to interstate or overseas trade or commerce as a waterside worker, maritime employees or flight crew officer.

The new unfair dismissal system will be fair to employees and employers. It will give employees access to a fair and simple process of appeal against dismissals, based on the principle of a 'fair go all round'.

First, to the issue of Australian Workplace Agreements (AWAs). AWAs are essentially written contracts of employment between employers and individual workers. They set out terms and conditions of employment for employees and are covered by the legislation in the Workplace Relations Act.

The past year, in many ways, is a pointer to the future. While the Howard Liberal Government gets on with the job of developing positive policies in Australia's interest, Mr Beazley remains unable to make Labor a genuine alternative government.

All applications are to be dealt with in the first instance by conciliation by the AIRC. Should arbitration be needed, in considering remedies, the AIRC must have regard for all relevant circumstances - including the viability of an employers business. Frivolous and malicious claims will be di

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Approximate Word count = 1537
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)