'Peak Unions In Australia - Origins Purpose, Power, Agency' edited by Bradon Ellem, Raymond Markey & John Shields
'Peak Unions In Australia – Origins Purpose, Power, Agency' edited by Bradon Ellem, Raymond Markey & John Shields (Federation Press)
This innovative and comprehensive book is the first detailed study of the making and development of Australian peak unions. For over 150 years, peak unions have been central part of the Australian industrial relations landscape. They remain by far the most significant institutional form of inter-union cooperation in the country at the national, state, local and industry scales.
They are remarkably varied bodies which have played vital roles in union growth and labour renewal. Some are strong, some weak and a select few have even come close to being unaccountable, a state within a state. This multi-author book systematically examines their nature and influence at different times, in different places. It adopts a unique combination of comparative method and conceptual insights from the fields of industrial relations, history, geography, organisational studies and political science.
Its 13 chapters explore the whole range of peak unions and labour councils, from local bodies in Rockhampton, the Illawarra, Wagga Wagga and Broken Hill, through State councils in Western Australia, Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales, to the national peak union body, the Australian Council of Trade Unions.
The book allies this empirical diversity with an essential theoretical cohesion. It opens with two conceptual chapters which develop a model for explaining the formation and changing purpose and power of peak unions, a model which resonates through all the subsequent chapters.
Some reviews about ‘Peak Unions In Australia’;
This collection constitutes an important addition to our store of reference material on Australian unionism. Not only does it provide much new information and analysis on that significant but neglected aspect of Australian union history, peak unions, but a number of chapters throw light on another neglected segment of Australian industrial relations, the state systems. This is particularly the case in respect of Queensland, Western Australia and Victoria. The histories of the various peak unions in the those states provide important insights into the social, political and industrial backgrounds that underpin their industrial relations systems. Labour & Industry, Vol 16 No 3, April-May 2006
A thoughtful and at times provocative analysis of peak union councils, this book is an instructive read for union members. Contemporary Australia sees hostility towards unions and collective bargaining increasingly the fare of daily media speculation and thus questions of unity and strength of purpose are central debates. In this context, as in many others, a little historical understanding can be a powerful thing. Peak Unions in Australia is thus a timely and valuable contribution not just to our history but potentially to union futures. I thoroughly recommend it.
Sharan Burrow, President, ACTU
Further reviews and detailed summary of content about ‘Peak Unions In Australia’ can be found at the Federation Press website: www.federationpress.com.au.
