Workplace Relations and Other Legislation Amendment Act 1996 (Cwlth): experiences of five Australian trade unions

The experiences of five federally registered trade unions under the operation of the Workplace Relations and Other Legislation Amendment Act 1996 (Cwlth) are canvassed. The findings indicate that four key issues have surfaced for these unions, Freedom of Association, Australian Workplace Agreements, award simplification and industrial action. The findings also indicate a divergence between theory and practice; the legislation has not been as devastating for these unions as many would have anticipated. The most likely explanation for this divergence lies in the individual characteristics of the unions and officials studied.