Working hours in Australia



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In November 1984, CEDA released a study which examined hours of work.

During the early 1980's, the question of hours of work emerged as a matter of public debate. While the reduction of hours caused discussion around the effects on inflation, unemployment and the competitiveness of Australian industry for this study, Michael Carter and Dr Rodney Maddock, chose to explore other issues that were overlooked. These included why did workers want shorter working hours after seeming stability in working hours for the previous three decades, and why was the Federal Government the most vociferous opponent of shorter working hours?

Contents

  Page
Objectives of CEDA  
List of Figures iii
Foreword 1
Preface 2
   

1. Overview: Sources of the Conflict

4

2. Explaining Changes in the Hours of Work

20

3. Hours, Leisure and Wellbeing 1911 - 1981

45

4. Who Works What Hours?

69

5. Working Hours in Theory

90

6. The Impact of a Reduction in Standard Hours - Theory

113

7. The impact of a Reduction in Standard Hours - Evidence

157

8. Some Macroeconomic Effects

181
   
Selected Bibliography 196
CEDA Office Bearers 201
CEDA International Associates  

 


Read Chapter 3: Hours, Leisure and Wellbeing 1911 - 1981

 

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