Do you want to be in control of the Entitlements your employees receive? Are you wanting to make a unique working environment?
An Enterprise Bargaining Agreement is a registered agreement which outlines the terms and conditions of employment between an employee or a group of employees with one or more employers. These agreements can benefit employers because as you are able to negotiate for more flexible working conditions providing a win-win solution where you are better able to balance their work/life commitments within the operational requirements of your business.
Types of Enterprise Bargaining Agreements:
- Single-enterprise Agreements
- Multi- enterprise Agreements
- Greenfields Agreements
Single-enterprise Agreements
A single enterprise agreement is made between one or more employers who have a single interest and employees employed at the time the agreement is made and will be covered by the agreement. Single interest employers are employers that are in a joint venture or common enterprise or are related corporations or authorised as a single-interest employer by the Fair Work Commission.
Multi- enterprise Agreements
Multi-enterprise agreements are made between two or more employers and employer employed at the time of the agreement is made and who will be covered by the agreement. These agreements differ from single enterprise agreements in that the employers do not need to prove that they have a single interest in the bargaining process.
Greenfields Agreement
A Greenfields agreement is made in relation to a genuine new enterprise of the employer or employers before ay employees are employed. The employer is required to make the enterprise agreement with a specific union before any employees are employed. The application for a Greenfields agreement must be made before any work has begun. These agreements can be either single or multi- enterprise agreements. Parties to these agreements are typically the employer(s) and an employee association such as a trade union.
What steps are involved in successful bargaining?
A successful bargaining process heavily relies on preparation. Some key components to help navigate your way through bargaining involve:
- Identify the business’ desired outcome of the Enterprise Agreement
- What are the entitlements most important to your business operation
- Have an in depth understanding of the rights and obligations for Enterprise Bargaining
- Determine the level of involvement, if any, from unions or associations and their influence on bargaining
- Consider what and how guidance and education will be provided to employees in relation to Enterprise Bargaining and what it involves in order to gain a genuine agreement between the employer and employees
- Contingency planning. If the negotiations breakdown and employees seek to pursue protected industrial action, how will the company maintain supply to its customers and clients
- Knowledge of previous claims and negotiations for likely claims by employees and/or their representatives to prepare appropriate responses for negotiation
If you think your company would benefit from a unique and personalised enterprise agreement, contact our office on 1300 445 687 to speak with a consultant to offer you more information on Enterprise bargaining and processes.
