Industrial Relations in Australia and the Concept of Fairness

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to reflect on some unique terminologyin Australia’s industrial relations.

Design/methodology/approach – It reports the limited and historical
sources of the expression ‘fair dinkum’

Findings – The article finds the origins of ‘fair dinkum’ in both the English
Midlands and from Cantonese goldminers in Australia in the 19th century

Research limitations/implications – Future commentaries might examine
these sources further to determine which one is ‘fair dinkum’.

Originality/value – The value of the paper is that it adds to the study of the
particularity of meanings in the language of industrial relations discourse.

Paper type – Research Paper

Keywords – Australia, Industrial Relations, Fairness, Language

Download the PDF Version