Industrial Relationships at the Plant Level: A Case Study

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Abstract
An important aspect of plant level industrial relations is the nature of the relationship between the management and the unions. Various patterns of relationships have been suggested by Fox, Purcell and others. The dynamics of the processes by which good industrial relationships might be maintained is examined in this paper by means of a case study. Industrial relations in the BP Kwinana refinery during a time of difficulty for both management and unions are analysed and it is suggested that the lengthy negotiations consolidated the relationship between the parties However, in considering the future trends in industrial relations at the plant the paper concludes that the maintenance of good industrial relations cannot be assured without the continuing effort of both parties. Further areas of research are identified as part of a continuing development in our theoretical and practical understanding of plant level industrial relations.

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