Enterprise agreements are negotiated agreements between
employers, employees and unions or bargaining representatives about
minimum terms and conditions of employment. They can cover a range
of matters, including fair wages, hours of work, meal breaks,
overtime, flexible working conditions and consultation and dispute
resolution processes.
Importantly, enterprise agreements must leave award-covered
employees "better off overall" than the relevant modern
award and cannot offer less than what is contained in the minimum
standards provided by the
National Employment Standards (NES).
From the date of approval, enterprise agreements can cover a
period of up to four years but continue to operate after any
nominal expiry date until they are either replaced by a new
enterprise agreement or terminated by the Fair Work Commission.
