Outline

Overview

The aim of this unit is to provide an understanding of the policy debates in employment relations with an emphasis on laws, institutions and social processes. It combines theoretical and historical understandings of employment relations in Australia with a detailed examination of the current policies and strategies of the key employment relations players and the role of the state. Topics covered include: the regulatory framework, state and federal governments policies, union policy, employer policy, the practices of Australia's industrial tribunals and responses to current challenges, such as the quest for improved productivity and greater flexibility. Overarching themes include individualisation and decentralisation of employment relations policy in Australia and whether there are more suitable alternatives.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Work and Organisational Studies
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Isabella Dabaja, isabella.dabaja@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written test ?	In-Semester Test This test will cover: the conceptual framework, labour market essentials, and the application of policy knowledge to industrial relations policies.	30%	Week 05 Due date: 24 Aug 2025 at 11:00	1 hour	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Presentation and Facilitation Group oral presentation, followed by group facilitation of class discussion on the presentation topic.	30%	Week 05	15 min pres, 15 min facilitation	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Policy essay Written essay, full details will be provided in class in week 01	40%	Week 07 Due date: 31 Aug 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 10 Sep 2025	2500 wrds	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Presentation: Students are required to deliver a 15 minute group presentation and facilitate a 15 minute class discussion on the presentation topic. The unit coordinator will provide more detail about this assessment on Canvas and in class. Students will be allocated their groups and topics in class.
In-semester test: Students are required to complete a written, in-class test that assesses their knowledge of the unit's conceptual framework, labour market essentials, and the application of policy knowledge to industrial relations policies as covered in the letures.
Policy essay: Students are required to write a submission (in the style of a submission to a government enquiry) advocating for the Australian government to make a change to any one industrial relations policy area discussed in this unit. The unit coordinator will provide more detail and writing directions about this assessment on Canvas prior to the first class and will discuss in class.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Day 1 - (9am - 5pm); Lecture 1: Introduction to Industrial Relations Policy; Lecture 2: The Conceptual Framework; Activity 1: Using terminology correctly; Lecture 3: The Labour Market Context; Lecture 4: Policy Today: the Fair Work Act and Recent Amendments Daily wrap-up.	Lecture and tutorial (7 hr)
Week 01	Day 2 - (9.30am - 5pm); Lecture 5: Equity; Lecture 6: Efficiency; Lecture 7: Voice; Lecture 8: Policy into Practice (1) Right to request Flexible Working Arrangements and the future of Working from Home; Activity 2: Role Play; Weekend wrap-up.	Lecture and tutorial (7 hr)
Week 03	Day 3 - (9am-5pm); Lecture 9: Governments, Policy Making and the Role of the State; Lecture 10: Policy into Practice (2) – Paid Parental Leave; Lecture 11: Policy into Practice (3) – Enforcement: Wage Theft and Underpayment; Lecture 12: Policy into Practice (4) – Gig Work and the Platform Economy; Activity 3: Presentation group preparations; Daily wrap-up	Lecture and tutorial (7 hr)
Week 03	Day 4 - (9.30am - 4.30pm); Lecture 13: Policy into Practice (5) Skills and Immigration; Lecture 14: Policy into Practice (6) The Right to Disconnect; Lecture 15: Policy into Practice (7) The Climate Crisis, Future of Work and Industrial Relations Policy; Activity 4: Presentation Group Preparations; Daily wrap-up.	Lecture and tutorial (7 hr)
Week 05	Day 5 (10am-4pm); Group Presentations; Daily wrap-up.	Lecture and tutorial (6 hr)
Week 05	Day 6 (11am - 3pm) In-Semester Test; Lecture 16: Unit Overview and discussion of major assignment.	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Lecture recordings: All lectures and seminars are recorded and will be available on Canvas for student use. Please note the Business School does not own the system and cannot guarantee that the system will operate or that every class will be recorded. Students should ensure they attend and participate in all classes.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

A list of the required readings will be provided to the students via Canvas before the first class.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. describe and evaluate different perspectives on the role of the state in shaping employment relations
LO2. apply theoretical frameworks to an understanding of policy-making
LO3. explain in both oral and written work the relationship between industrial relations policy and other aspects of government policy and the influence that employers, unions and lobbyists exercise over policy
LO4. evaluate the implications of certain policies for business, unions, employees and other stakeholders
LO5. engage in debates with other students and present clear arguments for and against policy directions
LO6. demonstrate awareness of industrial and employment relations policies that exist and changes proposed.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

The assessment weightings have been altered to reflect student feedback. Additionally, seminar tasks have been adapted to reflect student feedback.

Additional information

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

WORK6012: Industrial Relations Policy

Intensive July - August, 2025 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links