Australian unions in 2006

Despite the Work Choices Legislation coming into effect, 2006 was a year unions could look back on with some satisfaction. The anticipated onslaught by employers on unions did not eventuate, possibly because of the impact of the Your Rights at Work campaign and the diversity of successful strategies adopted. Density appeared to stabilize but remained low in the private sector, presenting long-term challenges to the union movement. At year's end, the focus was clearly on the forthcoming federal election.