Workplace Democracy and the Global Financial Crisis

The global financial crisis provides an opportunity for Australia to undertake reforms which will create a more democratic workplace. This will require a new social settlement between government, employers and unions which not only restores and extends collective bargaining rights but also strengthens workers’ legal rights to participate in decision making at the enterprise level. In the global era, Australia should also play a more active role in supporting efforts by international bodies, such as the ILO, to promote decent jobs which embody core labour standards. This paper examines recent Australian and international experience as well as outlining future challenges for workplace democracy.