This collection analyses the contribution of industrial relations to social science understanding.

This exciting new text is different from many of the employee relations textbooks currently available because it takes as its central theme the employment relationship between the employer and the employee. This reflects one of the major changes in employee relations over recent years: the increasing extent to which the individual relationship each of us has with our employer is central in shaping our working lives.

Understanding Employment Relations is for undergraduate and postgraduate industrial relations and employment relations students aspiring to, or holding, positions that involve the management of labour. The text addresses workplace governance under the Fair Work Act 2009, as well as the role oftrade unions, employer associations, collective bargaining processes, and various laws pertaining to contracts of employment, equal opportunity and occupational health and safety. It also situates these players and processes within a unified theoretical framework and how industrial relations andhuman resource management practices can be combined.Australia has one of the most legalistic industrial relations systems in the world: in recognition of Australia unique regulatory environment, employment law features prominently throughout the text to help students to understand the full panoply of laws and regulations governing workplacerelations.

"This excellent book will encourage students to think about the diverse range and broad character of issues encountered at work. It highlights both enduring dilemmas and emerging issues in contemporary employment. Each concept is carefully explained with engaging examples provided throughout. As such it will help prime students to understand key issues at work and make a first-rate addition to any social science reading list." - Nicolas Bacon, Nottingham University Business School "This authoritative, comprehensive, up-to-date, and user-friendly reference book will be appreciated greatly by all social science staff and students of work." - Stephen Edgell, University of Salford and author of The Sociology of Work The SAGE Key Concepts series provides students with accessible and authoritative knowledge of the essential topics in a variety of disciplines. Cross-referenced throughout, the format encourages critical evaluation through understanding. Written by experienced and respected academics, the books are indispensible study aids and guides to comprehension. Key Concepts in Work: Clearly and concisely explains the central ideas, debates and theories of work. Offers a broad overview of the social, political and economic contexts of work illustrated from diverse industrial societies. Begins each entry with a snapshot definition followed by key words and guidance for further reading. Inspires students to engage in further exploration of ideas and debates. Provides an essential reference guide for all students in sociology, business studies, management learning about work, employment, organizations and labour markets.

Providing a comprehensive coverage of the field of employee relations, this book covers the main topics and progressively integrates them in order to give students a thorough understanding of the subject.

Published in collaboration with BUIRA, this book provides a critical review of the field of industrial relations (IR) and evaluates its future in the rapidly evolving world of work. Written by key names in IR, the book captures the significant transformations that have taken place within the field over the past decade. It traces the historical development of IR, exploring its ongoing impact on our lives. The chapters delve into various aspects, including union organization and mobilization, the influence of new technology, and the examination of intersectionality in the context of work and employment. This is an invaluable resource for academics and students of employment and industrial relations, as well as HR professionals, trade union organizations and representatives.