If you’ve ever wondered how some workplaces have better pay, fairer rosters, or improved leave entitlements, it’s often thanks to enterprise agreements. These agreements are a powerful way for workers to come together and negotiate directly with their employer for better conditions.
And the best part? When negotiated through a union, enterprise agreements don’t just meet minimum standards, they raise them.
What Is an Enterprise Agreement?
An enterprise agreement is a legally binding document negotiated between an employer and a group of employees (often represented by their union). It sets out the terms and conditions of employment such as pay, hours of work, penalty rates, allowances, and leave.
These agreements must be better off overall than the relevant award, and they must be approved by the Fair Work Commission before taking effect.
Why Workers Choose Union Agreements
Union-negotiated enterprise agreements consistently deliver better outcomes. Why? Because workers bargaining collectively have strength in numbers; employers can’t just pick people off one by one. Instead, they must sit down and negotiate fairly with the group.
Union support also means:
- Access to expert negotiators
- Protection during bargaining
- Legal oversight and dispute resolution
- Transparency throughout the process
Know Your Rights and Your Power
Employers may try to push non-union agreements or conduct rushed ballots without proper consultation. In these cases, workers may be pressured into accepting less than they deserve.
But with a union-led process, workers have a real say and a real voice in shaping the conditions they work under.
Better Agreements Start with Union Action
Enterprise agreements don’t just happen. They’re won by workers standing together, knowing their value, and demanding fair treatment. If your workplace doesn’t have one, or your current agreement isn’t delivering it’s time to talk to your union.