Independent · tripartite · since 2007
Fair work needs an independent voice.
AIER brings employers, workers, unions, academics and lawyers together to research, debate and advance employment rights in Australia.
Work should be decent, democratic and fair—and the rules that shape it should serve the public interest.
Grounded in the principles of the International Labour Organization and committed to cooperative industrial relations.
How we work
One table.
Every side of the conversation.
AIER is governed by an Executive Committee drawn from employers, employees, unions, academia and the law—independent of government or any particular interest group.
Employers & business
Practical insight into productive, legally sound workplaces and the real conditions in which organisations operate.
Unions & workers
Worker experience, representation, delegate rights and the case for a meaningful collective voice at work.
Academics & lawyers
Independent evidence and legal expertise—the foundation of our Journal, Charter and reform proposals.
Journal of Work & Ideas
The debate, published.
Independent research, interviews and commentary on work, society and the public interest.
Workers of all worlds, unite!
The social and industrial novel—and what its changing worlds tell us about work, power and solidarity.
Read article
A framework for fair work
The Australian Charter of Employment Rights.
Ten reciprocal rights and responsibilities for workers and employers—grounded in international labour standards and the Australian idea of a fair go.
Read the Charter and download the principlesWorkers and employers should cooperate honestly and ensure a fair go all round.
Every person should be treated with respect and recognised for the work or function they perform.
Workplaces should be free from unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation.
Every worker has the right to a safe and healthy working environment.
Workers should have a genuine voice in decisions with significant implications for them or their workplace.
Workers have the right to form and join unions and to be represented in the workplace.
Workers should be protected against unfair, capricious or arbitrary dismissal.
Law and independent institutions should guarantee fair minimum wages and just conditions of work.
Workers have the right to bargain collectively through representatives of their choosing.
Workers and employers should have access to fair, independent and effective ways to resolve disputes.
Ron McCallum Debate
The debate that sets the agenda.
The annual AIER Ron McCallum Debate is the pre-eminent public industrial relations debate in Australia. Once a year, it brings the leaders of unions, industry, government and independents together to debate the pressing issues facing the nation.
After each debate, the recording, transcript and background paper are made available online. The event is sponsored by Harmers Workplace Lawyers and held in honour of AIER patron Emeritus Professor Ron McCallum AO.
Leadership
Independent by design.
Our leadership reflects the institute's tripartite foundations and its commitment to evidence, dialogue and the public interest.
Back the independent voice for fair work.
Members support the Charter, the Journal of Work & Ideas and the Ron McCallum Debate—and join a tripartite community committed to workplace fairness.