Enterprise Bargaining As An Organising Opportunity—Case Study Of A Campaign By NTEU At One University

Abstract

In the context of an increasingly de-regulated industrial relations' environment, enterprise bargaining has been viewed by unions as an opportunity for organising and increasing membership at the grass roots level. This paper uses a case study approach detailing the process at one university where the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) utilised organising tactics of the type currently promoted by the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU). The campaign is described and assessed relative to outcomes at other NTEU sites during the same round of bargaining. It is concluded, that, firstly, the tactics used at this site succeeded in producing greater membership growth and mobilisation than at comparable sites. Secondly, the tactics used are applicable to a university workforce including academic and general staff. Thirdly, industrial campaigning in enterprise bargaining does not by itself result in membership growth.