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ARTICLE · 11 MAY 2025

Industrial action in action

Bartier Perry Solicitors
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Unions see industrial action as the 'go to' device to pressure employers to meet industrial and other demands.

AustraliaEmployment and HR
James Mattson
James Mattson
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We are seeing an increase in industrial action by unions and workers in the form of work bans through to full on strikes. Unions see industrial action as the 'go to' device to pressure employers to meet industrial and other demands. Its increased use is having an impact on businesses and the community.

The New South Wales Industrial Relations Commission has, over the last year, issued significant decisions dealing with industrial action. In this article, we examine some of them and the lessons for NSW employers.

There is a legitimate means to resolve disputes

The Industrial Relations Act 1996 (NSW) has a simple process to deal with industrial action which can be summarised as follows:

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