Australian Occupational Therapy Academics' Attitudes to Collective Bargaining

This article presents the results of an investigation of the attitudes of Australian occupational therapy academics toward collective bargaining for themselves and clinical therapists. Data were collected using a mailed survey instrument which included scales measuring attitudes to collective bargaining and collecting demographic data. In general, Australian occupational therapy academics are supportive in principle, of collective bargaining for both them­ selves and clinical therapists to achieve a range of outcomes. However, in practice, less than 50 percent are members of a union and less than 25 percent are involved in any way beyond basic membership. Industrial relations and, therefore, unions have begun to play an increasingly important role in health services. This is due to an increasing dissatisfaction with working conditions due to the rationalization of health services [1]. Also con­ tributing to the increased need for representation to employers is what Brocket termed the socialization of health professionals into bureaucracies and away from more independent, autonomous practice [2]. The salaried professional requires collective bargaining with other employees to ensure that the professional's good will is not exploited by employers. The occupational therapy literature has called for occupational therapists to become more involved in lobbying, challenging decision makers, and power broking to secure the future of the profession within an increasingly tight financial •This research was supported by a grant from the Occupational Therapists' Vocational Branch of the N S W Public Service Association.