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September 10, 2025

Enterprise Bargaining as a Lens to Understand the Relationship Between Union Leaders and Members: A Case Study of an Australian Frontline Workers' Union

Key Points

Dissatisfaction among union members contributed to a majority ‘No’ vote in recent negotiations.
Surveying 9834 members identified increasing heterogeneity and dissatisfaction as key factors.
Case study of an Australian frontline service union employs an observational analysis to gather insights.
Findings highlight the importance of understanding member dynamics for effective union democracy.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Following recent enterprise bargaining negotiations, which led to a majority ‘No’ vote by Australian frontline service union members, we survey 9834 members and examine factors that led to such voting decisions. We identified growing heterogeneity of members and their growing dissatisfaction. Our study raises important implications for union democracy.

Enterprise Bargaining as a Lens to Understand the Relationship Between Union Leaders and Members: A Case Study of an Australian Frontline Workers' Union

Key Points

Abstract

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