Workplace Relations and Enterprise Bargaining

Workplace relations, and in particular enterprise bargaining, is undergoing rapid legislative reform. In the past few years, both sides of Federal government have encouraged Australian businesses to engage in enterprise bargaining with their employees, and many organisations have responded by implementing enterprise agreements across business units and sites. FCB has assisted more than 500 businesses to create, register and implement enterprise agreements across Australia.

In any enterprise bargaining process, industrial action can play a key part and have a wide-reaching effect on the day-to-day running and profitability of a business. That’s why it is important to work with a firm that understands how to manage these changes and minimise any ill effects on the business.

FCB knows how to best manage workplace relations and handle enterprise bargaining strategically to get optimal results for businesses. Our specialist team has deep experience in advising and representing organisations through the enterprise bargaining process, mediating in industrial disputes, and developing industry awards and enterprise agreements. We have assisted many employers to implement practical agreements that have delivered improved productivity and significant cultural change.

Enterprise bargaining

Enterprise bargaining is one of FCB’s core competencies. Our services include:

• Strategic advice and project planning
• Drafting enterprise bargaining agreements and ensuring compliance with legislative requirements
• Managing union relations
• Developing and implementing consultation and communication strategies
• Conducting employee surveys and training consultative committees

Industrial disputes

FCB’s expertise in identifying and remedying threatened or actual industrial action can help avoid or minimise the disruption to workplaces. Our services include:

• Advising and assisting in managing union relations
• Commencing and managing proactive activities to stop, prevent or minimise industrial action
• Representation in negotiation, mediation or litigation associated with industrial disputes

Awards and workplace agreements

We understand the complex range of industrial instruments applicable to the workplace and can inform you of impending legislative changes and current awards. FCB’s services include:

• Strategic advice on selecting and implementing the right industrial instruments
• Understanding the modern award system and its application
• Drafting, negotiating and giving effect to workplace agreements
• Developing competency-based pay classification structures
• Conducting the Better Off Overall Test (BOOT) assessment on your agreements

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