Trade Union Amalgamations: Explaining the Recent Spate of Mergers in Australia

Abstract

This paper examines the determinants of amalgamation participation among Australian unions since the late 1980s. The analysis is based on data from the 1996 Australian National Trade Union Survey. The results indicate that the Australian Council of Trade Unions' amalgamation policy, declining membership and trade union officials have been central to participating in an amalgamation. The evidence also suggests that exclusive craft-based structures and union members have hindered the propensity of unions to engage in merger activity.