Describe how the Unitarist and Pluralist approaches to conflict would explain the positions of (a) management and (b) unions in the Aurizon dispute. Identify which one of the approaches provides the better explanation. Explain how you reached this conclusion.

The format of this assessment item should follow a discussion essay format with a brief introduction, a body and a brief conclusion. For example, in your opening paragraph you should state the position that you will take in terms of responding to the question outlined above.

You also need to support any claims that you make by referring to the sources you use. It would be expected that reporting of the Aurizon dispute would be found in the media. It would be anticipated that material on unitarism and pluralism would be sourced from peer-reviewed or scholarly sources. The question is asking you to think of whether the particular frames of reference (unitarism and pluralism) explain the actions of management and unions.

Use the following articles in your discussion:

Brigden, C 2012 ‘Unions and collective bargaining' in 2011' Journal of Industrial Relations, Vol. 43, No. 3, pp. 361-376.

We would suggest that you read the short section on ‘Developments in Industrial Relations' pp. 367-368 as this section provides some insights on the approach adopted by Aurizon. The author links lock out approaches taken by employers to that taken by Qantas. There is a short summary of the Qantas matter earlier in the article.