Arbitration, Mass Production and Workplace Relations: 'Metal Industry' Developments in the 1920s

Abstract

This paper reviews decisions of the Conciliation and Arbitration Court in the 'metal industry' during the 1920s. The focus is on the nature of intervention by the court on three workplace issues: occupational structure, piecework, and shopfloor union organization. It is argued that the court's intervention must be analyzed in the context of the structural change that was occurring in the economy during the period under review, that is, the transition from craft to mass production. To fully understand the nature of the court's intervention it is necessary to be sensitive to the structure of the industry with which the court was dealing. The 'metal industry' covers a broad group of industries, some of which are engaged in craft production, and others where mass production techniques are appropriate. During the 1920s the court was primarily concerned with changing conditions in the manufacturing sector, not the craft sector. This involved facilitating fundamental changes to the occupational structure, as well as advocating payment-by-results schemes and shopfloor union organization.

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