The Hunter Workplace Case Studies: Scope, Method and Preliminary Observations

Abstract

This article initially outlines the context and the rationale for a series of case studies carried out by the authors at workplaces located in the Hunter Valley of NSW. The major area of discussion concerns the general robustness of the case study methodology in industrial relations and specifically, the potential for these Hunter Valley case studies to throw some light on the myriad of issues related to the process and effects of award restructuring and workplace reform in Australia. The case studies provide a limited and up to date picture of both the reform process and its effects across a small sample of large workplaces. Finally, this article presents a preliminary overview of some of the findings from these case studies.