Awards & Agreements

What is an Award?

a legally binding document determined by the FWC that sets out the minimum wages and conditions of employment for whole industries

What are the Advantages (4) and Disadvantages (3) of Awards?

lower business expenses, no time lost negotiating, no conflict, provides a safety net for employees. challenging to find talented employees, less flexibility, employees may be unsatisfied

What is an Enterprise Agreement? (+ how is it reached?)

an agreement between the employees and their employer on the wages and conditions of employment. reached via enterprise bargaining

What is the Role of the FWC in an enterprise agreement? (7)

check for 10 NES, an expiry date, dispute settlement procedure, both parties actually agree, employees will be better off, no unlawful content is included, a majority of employees have been consulted

What are the Advantages (3) and Disadvantages (2) of Enterprise Agreements?

flexible, employees are better off, talented employees can be attracted. negotiation can be time-consuming, larger business expenses

What is an Individual Contract?

an agreement between an employer and an individual employee that states wages and conditions of employment

What are the Advantages (1) and Disadvantages (2) of Individuals Contracts?

flexible. time consuming, creates opportunity for competition and favouritism

List the 10 National Employment Standards (NES)

maximum weekly hours, the right to request flexible work arrangements, parental leave, annual leave, personal leave, community service leave, long-service leave, public holidays, notice of termination and redundancy pay, a Fair Work Information Statement