UQ's enterprise bargaining process

Enterprise bargaining is the process of an employer bargaining with its employees to determine working conditions and entitlements. UQ's enterprise bargaining process is regulated by the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth).

Bargaining for a proposed enterprise agreement begins when the employer agrees to bargain, or initiates bargaining. 

Enterprise agreements

An enterprise agreement is an agreement made between an employer and its employees that sets out working conditions and entitlements.

The relevant modern awards provide the minimum conditions of employment for most UQ employees. In order for an enterprise agreement to be approved by the Fair Work Commission, it must result in staff being 'better off overall' than if they were covered by the modern award.

Participating in enterprise bargaining

Employees have the right to represent themselves or nominate a bargaining representative to participate in the negotiations on their behalf.

You can participate in the enterprise bargaining process by:

• reading staff updates during the bargaining process 
• voting on the draft Agreement.

Voting

All employees to be covered by the proposed Agreement will be notified 7 days before voting on an Agreement begins. Employees will be provided with access to a copy of the proposed Enterprise Agreement and other explanatory materials.

Employees will also be notified of the time and place that the vote will take place and the voting method that will be used.

Fair Work Commission approval

Once a majority of voters support a new enterprise agreement through a ‘Yes’ vote, the Agreement must be lodged with the Fair Work Commission for approval.

The Fair Work Commission reviews the agreement to ensure that it meets all of the requirements of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth), including the ‘better off overall test’. This test requires that employees are better off overall than the relevant modern awards. 

Once the Commission approves the Agreement, UQ is notified and the Agreement comes into effect 7 days after approval by the Fair Work Commission.