The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) today released data on the number of industrial disputes, which showed a clear moderation in industrial unrest (see below table).
According to the ABS:
- There were 16,900 working days lost due to industrial disputation in December quarter 2014, a decrease from 24,600 in September quarter 2014.
- During the year ended December 2014, there were 188 disputes, 31 fewer than the year ended December 2013.
- Over the same period, there were 71,400 working days lost, 45% fewer than in the year ended December 2013 (131,000).
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Victoria remains the leader in industrial unrest, with the highest number (9,500) of working days lost of any state or territory in December quarter 2014, accounting for 56% of total working days lost. Victoria also had the highest number of working days lost per thousand employees (3.7) for the quarter.
Obviously, the weak labour market is contributing to the weakened industrial dispute activity, since workers are less likely to act up when their jobs are on the line.
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