Collective Bargaining: Delivering for the public interest?

Enterprise bargaining under the Fair Work Act 2009 is failing. Agreements under our system may be reached without the involvement of trade unions and absent any actual process of bargaining.

The number of agreements, particularly in the private sector, is falling leaving increasing numbers of employees reliant on safety net terms and conditions.

Over time ineffective bargaining structures have resulted in wage stagnation. Australia has experienced declining wage growth within a productive economic environment recording increasing profits.

In light of this we ask:

Can collective bargaining deliver for employees, employers and the public interest?

     If so, what should be the scope, level and mode of bargaining?

     If not, what alternatives are appropriate for determining conditions of work?

The AIER has released our Discussion Paper examining collective bargaining under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) and arguing for improved structures to encourage genuine bargaining and cooperation between parties.

Join representatives from the union movement, business, academia and the community as we discuss and debate the role, operation and future of collective bargaining.

 The Debate is on Tuesday 09 October, 4pm – 6pm,

The Lyceum Theatre, Wesley Conference Centre, 220 Pitt Street, Sydney

 To ensure a place please RSVP at admin@aierights.com.au

 The debate will be moderated by former FWA and AIRC President the Honourable Geoffrey Giudice AO, and feature presentations from:

  • Emeritus Professor Ron McCallum AO;
  • Professor Anthony Forsyth, RMIT University;
  • John Hendy QC, Chair, British Institute of Employment Rights;
  • Kate Minter, Research Director, Unions NSW;
  • Kim Parish, Chief People Officer, House with No Steps;
  • Alison Pennington, Research Economist, Centre for Furture Work,The Australia Institute;
  • Stephen Smith, Head of National Workplace Relations Policy, AiGroup

Don’t miss what is sure to be a compelling debate, RSVP today!