What is Enterprise Bargaining?

Enterprise bargaining is about introducing changes in the workplace - with everyone sharing the benefits. It provides the opportunity for an employer and his or her employees, either directly or through their union representatives, to discuss together changes to the way work is done, changes to conditions and productivity improvements that will mutually benefit both employer and employees.

Enterprise bargaining is undertaken cooperatively, as the employer and employees are equal partners in the negotiating process. No-one can be coerced or placed under duress in the negotiations.

Enterprise bargaining is one way of fostering a culture of change in the workplace and can be a valuable tool in the process of continuous improvement. It can assist in the creation of vital, responsive and flexible enterprises and help to improve productivity and efficiency.

Some examples of changes that may be introduced include:

• more flexible hours;
• broader job classifications;
• new training and career opportunities;
• profit sharing, or other forms of performance related pay;
• "family-friendly" features such as child care facilities, job sharing and career breaks;
• better procedures for handling employee grievances.