While Enterprise Agreements are widely used, Nigel Ward questions whether it’s the optimal solution for every employer
While Enterprise Agreements are widely used, Nigel Ward questions whether it’s the optimal solution for every employer
Bargaining in its modern form started in NSW in the late 1980s and gained speed nationally during the ’90s. For many businesses, it has become the norm. For every client we talk to about Enterprise Agreements (EAs), we spend just as much time exploring the strategy of not using them. Why? Because:
Over my 25 years working as an industrial advocate, the top reasons I’ve seen for employers considering using EAs are:
Nigel Ward is the CEO and a director at Australian Business Lawyers & Advisors (ABLA). Serving business and only business, this legal and advisory firm is trusted by the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and is the leading voice for industry in the Fair Work Commission. Call Nigel on 1300 565 846 or email nigel.ward@ ablawyers.com.au if you have any questions about matters raised in this article.
Bargaining in its modern form started in NSW in the late 1980s and gained speed nationally during the ’90s. For many businesses, it has become the norm. For every client we talk to about Enterprise Agreements (EAs), we spend just as much time exploring the strategy of not using them. Why? Because:
- Moving to collectively bargain will impact your employees’ relationship with your business
- Once started, it is hard to stop
- Bargaining opens doors for union and thirdparty involvement in your business
Over my 25 years working as an industrial advocate, the top reasons I’ve seen for employers considering using EAs are:
- To legalise more suitable employment arrangements
- Union compulsion
- Historical reasons
- To lock in employment arrangements
- Workplace stability
- To create a common employment platform