Collective Bargaining: The Outlook

In yesterday's blog, we commented on the state of play in enterprise bargaining in Australia.

So what's the outlook for enterprise bargaining in Australia? Here's the top 7:

1. Collective bargaining remains unlikely to be the answer for productivity gains – as has been the case for some time. Nor will it deliver the across-the-board wages growth sought. Of course, there will be exceptions to the rule. But my observation here is one generally about the ability of the system to generate productivity gains. Of course, there are some sectors where deriving and measuring such gains is very difficult, if not illusory, in any event.
2. Complexity is here to stay. The rules surrounding the making of agreements, laudable in their aim in providing protections for employees, make the process and approval regime demanding on employers, and the Fair Work Commission.