Affirmative Action: A Challenge to Australian Employers and Trade Unions

The Australian government's attempts to ensure women have equal access to the opportunities and rewards available in the labour market will have major implications for Australian organizations. Policies traditionally regarded as areas of managerial prerogative will be prescribed by legislation and subject to trade union consultation. Affirmative action legislation requires that personnel policies be based on the principle of merit. This requirement will challenge some of the long-held principles of trade unions and increase the airing of grievances in the labour market. Although affirmative action and sex discrimination legislation will enhance equal opportunity for women, the improvement of women's position in the labour market will be slow.