These times of climate crisis, digital disruption, growing inequality and economic uncertainty call for a bold new vision of work relations in Australia.

A New Work Relations Architecture draws on years of research by some of Australia’s leading work relations experts and practitioners in academia, business and unions. Written for the Australian Institute of Employment Rights, the book models the most comprehensive and fundamental reform of the work relations system proposed in many years. It is a redesign, from the ground up, that combines the best of the old and the new.

The AIER model for Australian work relations is a universal, future-proof and flexible system that would fill the holes and gaps currently leaving many workers behind. Presented in this book is a substantively fairer system that would better promote gender equality, human rights, security, cooperation and prosperity. As the book outlines, the system draws on the outcomes-oriented approach of the work health and safety system and on new ‘directed devolution’ theory in a unified and universal system of work laws that includes all workers. Gig workers and dependent contractors, as well as new forms of working not yet imagined in the rapidly changing world of work, would be covered by this forward-focussed approach.

Written in a highly accessible style, with humorous, offbeat illustrations by Stephen Mushin, this book serves not only as a roadmap for reform but as an engaging introduction to work relations and its connection to many of Australia’s most pressing social and economic issues.