The role of trade unions in the regulation of social and labor relations and policy making (on the example of Australia)

Abstract

The article analyzes the functional purpose of trade unions in a democratic society, their role in the regulation of social and labor relations and the formation of public policy. Based on a retrospective analysis, the formation of the institution of trade unions was studied on the example of Australia. The experience of their gradual institutionalization and formation as a subject of socio-economic and political relations is considered. The important role of trade unions in ensuring social justice, supporting the processes of self-improvement of politics, development of democracy and full-fledged development of civil society institutions has been clarified. The importance of trade unions and unions for the actualization in public discourse of ensuring the labor rights of citizens, creating an appropriate social infrastructure in accordance with the demands and needs of workers, supporting the national producer and stable economic development in general. The peculiarity of trade unions is that they are voluntary public organizations created to represent and protect the social and labor rights and interests of workers, at the same time they can declare that they are not involved in politics. Trade union structures can be described as part of a political system endowed with organizational, legal, and ideological resources, which determines their subjectivity in politics, ie allows them to play the role of participants in the political process. In many countries, trade unions are actively involved in politics. Their organizational structure includes a special unit engaged in political activities. Such a "political department" provides an opportunity to ensure that the position of trade union members is voiced and heard in the political arena, as well as to inform about the positions of trade union leaders. Public organizations, political parties, as well as, in fact, public authorities and representatives of big capital are valuable allies of trade unions in their agency of progressive social change.