ARTICLE · 03 DECEMBER 2008

Collective Bargaining And Enterprise Agreements

Hunt & Hunt

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The Fair Work Bill aims to promote the following in its objects:

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The Fair Work Bill aims to promote the following in its objects:

a single flexible framework to enable collective bargaining in good faith; and
the facilitation of good faith bargaining and the making of enterprise agreements by Fair Work Australia (FWA).

The most notable features are:

Content – The old prohibited content rules disappear. Agreements may include content about "permitted matters". This includes matters pertaining to the relationship between the employer and union (as well as between employer and employees). This will see the reintroduction of many old prohibited content items. Deductions of union dues from wages are specifically allowed. "Unlawful terms" cannot be included. This includes terms dealing with right of entry.

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