Economics for Unionists

This course will provide a grounding in the fundamentals of economic theory and policy from a unionist’s perspective.

About this course:

Intended Audience 

Organisers and Campaigners 

Specialists Staff (Policy and Research)  

 

About this course

Enhance your understanding of major economic concepts and arguments, theories of labour in the economy and alternative approaches to economic policy. This course will equip you with the knowledge you need to win the economic argument for industrial reform and the protection of workers’ rights. 

 

Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants should be able to: 

  • Define key economic concepts 
  • Analyse and debate economic arguments 
  • Explain why our proposals have economic merit in policy and/or bargaining contexts 
  • Discuss theories of the role of labour in the economy 
  • Define and discuss alternative approaches to economic policy 
 

Content  

What is the economy? 

Key economic terms 

Micro and macro economics 

Measuring the economy 

 

How capitalism works 

Short history of capitalism 

Tools and goals of neoliberalism 

Demystifying capital 

 

Work and production 

Forms of work under capitalism 

The asymmetry of the employment relationship 

 

The global economy 

Dimensions of globalisation 

Comparative advantage theory 

 

The real economy and the paper economy 

Money, finance and banking 

Causes of global financial crisis 

 

The economy and the environment 

Globalisation and climate change 

The economics of green jobs 

 

Challenging capitalism 

Capitalism’s report card 

Alternatives to neoliberalism 

 

Delivery mode 

Face-to-face 

 

Delivery style 

This course combines presentations from our expert facilitators along with discussion and group work to enable practical application to the workplace. 

 

Duration 

2 Days 

 

Pre-requisites  

None  

 

Related courses

Climate Action for Unionists  

Sociology for Unionists

 

Featured facilitators  

This course is delivered by economic specialists from the Centre for Future Work at The Australia Institute. The Centre is a research organisation focusing on labour economics, unions and collective bargaining, and employment issues.

 

Credly Badge

Economics for Unionists

 

Cost

$429

 

2024

 

Please note, in order to enrol you must be either a:

– union officer or official and have sought approval from your union to attend this course; or
– financial member of an ACTU affiliated union.

 

NSW  – ENROL HERE

Face-to-face | 13 – 14 November | 9:00am to 5:00pm