Federal Coalition Government Proposes Major Changes To The Fair Work Act

As noted above, the Federal Government has proposed several major changes (largely employer-friendly) to the Fair Work Act through the Fair Work Amendment Bill. In short, the major changes include those listed below.

Greenfields Agreements: The Fair Work Amendment Bill imposes a statutory obligation on unions and employers to bargain in good faith when engaged in Greenfield Agreement negotiations, just as they would be under s228 of the Fair Work Act if they were negotiating an Enterprise Agreement in respect of existing employees. It also gives employers the right to apply to the FWC to have a proposed Greenfields Agreement approved if the negotiating parties fail to reach agreement within three months, and if the FWC is satisfied the proposed wages and conditions are consistent with prevailing industry standards.