Greenfields Agreement Support

Expert guidance for establishing Greenfields Agreements, tailored to new projects or enterprises, ensuring compliance with Australian EBA frameworks and fostering positive labour relations.

Union Agreement Planning

Support for negotiating and implementing Union Agreements, aligned with Australian EBA standards to ensure compliance and harmonious union relations.

Non-Union Agreement Assistance

Tailored planning for Non-Union Agreements, designed to meet legal requirements and business needs without union involvement, following Australian EBA guidelines.

Singular Agreement Expertise

Support for creating Singular Agreements for specific roles, ensuring they meet Australian EBA standards and align with your organisational goals.

Multi-Agreement Management

Efficient planning and support for managing multiple agreements, ensuring consistency and compliance across different sectors or sites according to Australian EBA frameworks.

Turning a Risk into a Strategic Advantage

Enterprise bargaining (EBA) can threaten productivity and increase costs. Our strategic approach transforms this challenge into an advantage. We provide expert guidance throughout the process, helping businesses manage negotiations effectively and achieve favorable outcomes. Start planning 12-18 months before contract expiry to ensure success.

Case Study: Strategic Planning for EBA Negotiations in a Manufacturing Company

A manufacturing company facing severe cost pressures from rising utility costs (electricity and gas) embarked on a strategic planning exercise to negotiate their Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA). The goal was to avoid industrial action while managing costs effectively.

Challenges:

  • Severe cost pressures due to high input costs.
  • Risk of industrial action or “go slows” by employees.
  • Need to avoid excessive pay increases while maintaining labour peace.

Strategic Approach:

  1. Early Planning: Initiated negotiations 18 months ahead of the EBA expiry to address potential risks proactively.
  2. No Back Pay Clause: Agreed upon a key principle that no back pay would be demanded under any circumstances, ensuring clear and fair negotiations.
  3. Stock Management: Implemented strategies to build off-site stock in advance to mitigate risks such as stock outs, ensuring production continuity even if industrial action occurred.

Outcome:
By implementing these strategic measures, the company successfully navigated the EBA negotiations without facing industrial action. The off-site stock builds provided executive management with confidence in the plan, avoiding disruptions and maintaining operational stability while managing costs effectively.

Other services

New Fair Work laws (Closing Loop Holes)

We can also advise on the impacts of the new Fair Work laws on collective bargaining, the potential impacts to your business. Top performing businesses and HR departments will be assessing the impacts and how to best approach any upcoming negotiations.

Expert Guidance on FWC Requirements for Enterprise Agreements

Navigating Fair Work Commission (FWC) requirements for making or renewing an enterprise agreement (EBA) can be complex. Our team offers expert advice to ensure your EBA complies with all FWC standards, streamlining the process and mitigating risks. Trust us to guide you through every step, from initial planning to successful approval.

Training for EBA Negotiations: Skills for Managers, Supervisors, and HR Managers

We offer specialised training for managers, supervisors, and HR Managers on the mechanics of EBA negotiations and agreement-making. Our training includes strategic planning, risk management, and effective techniques for conducting meetings with union officials. Equip your team with the skills needed to navigate EBA negotiations confidently and successfully.