The Growth and Unionization of White- collar Workers in Australia: Some Recent Trends

Abstract

White collar workers have become an increasingly important element in the labour force during the past few years. The rapid expansion of the white collar sector has been accompanied by a trend toward greater unionization. A study of membership growth among eight major white collar unions in Australia, from 1970 to 1974, has revealed that women were a major con tributor to this development. There have also been significant changes in the activities of white collar unions including the use of direct industrial action and concern for issues beyond wages and conditions. Nevertheless, there are considerable variations between different white collar unions in this regard. This is partly due to the heterogeneity of the white collar sector which varies from highly-paid professionals to lower-paid clerical workers. The former have been the most militant and successful in pursuing their collective aims. It remains to be seen, however, whether their example is followed by other white collar workers in the future.