Where do migrant workers fit into the picture? The apparent invisibility of cultural diversity factors in industrial relations research

This paper asks why there is a relatively little focus and research in Australian industrial relations on the role of immigrants and their interface with workplace restructuring, workforce development, enterprise bargaining and union participation. Australia has the highest proportion of overseas born workers of any developed country with over 200 language groups represented, and a strong ongoing immigration program which is filling a wide range of skill shortages. The issues and challenges this raises have been long documented by other disciplines which are often seen as 'feeder' disciplines for industrial relations. Immigration is likely to be a continuing factor in economic development at national and enterprise level, with significant implications for industrial relations on the ground. A number of possible explanations for this gap in research and thinking are presented and some future strategies are outlined.