Jim Hagan – Australian Trade Unionism In Documents

This book is a collection of documents on the history of the trade union movement in Australia from 1901 to 1981 to 1907. 

Mr Justice Higgins' Harvester' judgment established the Basic Wage and inaugurated a bold experiment in wage fixing by compulsory arbitration. 

Since then, the Australian trade union movement has developed a relationship with the Arbitration Court and its successor which makes it unique. 

The documents are about how and why that relationship evolved, and what has happened as a result.

The book is divided into four sections, each preceded by an introduction which puts the documents in context. 

Many of the documents have not been published before, and have come to light as the result of recent research. 

Students of the trade unions—whether academics, or interested members—will find that study of the documents will help them to a deeper understanding of their subject.