Enterprise Bargaining
At EMA, we guide you through every stage of enterprise bargaining—from planning and negotiation to drafting, approval, and implementation. Whether you need full support or targeted assistance, our experienced team delivers customised solutions that balance your business objectives with employee rights.
What is an Enterprise Agreement?
An enterprise agreement (EA) is a legally binding document that sets out the minimum terms and conditions of employment between an employer and its employees. It typically replaces the applicable award and offers a chance to customise arrangements to fit your organisation’s unique needs.
When Should Organisations Engage in Enterprise Bargaining?
- Strategic Change
When significant organisational change, restructuring, or growth creates new challenges.
- Dispute Resolution
When internal disputes or industrial action prompt the need for a fresh agreement.
- Policy Update
When existing employment arrangements no longer meet current operational or legal requirements.
- Risk Management
When external review or potential litigation requires a robust, customised employment framework.
When to Seek an Independent Partner for Enterprise Bargaining
Organisations may choose to work with an independent adviser when:
- Impartiality is Needed
The issues at hand cannot be resolved internally without bias.
- Expertise is Lacking
Your team lacks the specialised knowledge or resources to manage the process effectively.
- Complex Cases
The negotiations involve senior personnel or require detailed analysis and drafting.
- Third-Party Requirements
External parties such as insurers or legal counsel require an independent, trusted adviser.
We’re to Help
Our team has supported organisations through enterprise bargaining for over 28 years, delivering countless successful agreements across Australia. We combine deep expertise in employment law with real-world experience to support you every step of the way—whether you need full-service representation or targeted assistance in specific areas. Here is what we offer:
Expert Guidance
Benefit from our extensive experience and deep understanding of the bargaining process, making your strategy both informed and effective.
Customised Solutions
We tailor our support so you can pick the specific aspects you need help with, from full-service representation to targeted assistance.
Compliance & Best Practice
Our processes help maintain full compliance with the relevant legislation—whether it’s the Fair Work Act for national agreements or local frameworks for other sectors—minimising risk and boosting stakeholder confidence.
Strategic Support
From initial analysis through to final implementation, EMA is by your side, helping you achieve a fair, sustainable, and mutually beneficial agreement.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How does EMA support the enterprise bargaining process?
Our process covers everything from strategic planning and research to negotiation, document drafting, and approval. We help you prepare key documents (like the Notice of Employee Representational Rights), guide you through negotiations, assist with the approval process—including responding to any Fair Work Commission queries—and support the implementation of the final agreement.
Can EMA assist with just parts of the process?
Absolutely. We offer flexible support, allowing you to cherry-pick the specific aspects you need help with, whether that’s initial planning, negotiation support, or handling disputes and industrial action.
What benefits can we expect from using EMA’s enterprise bargaining services?
Our approach aims to deliver a fair, sustainable agreement that meets your business objectives while protecting employee rights. You can expect expert guidance, customised solutions, clear and documented processes, and strong support throughout every stage of bargaining.
How do you handle compliance and documentation?
We help maintain full compliance with the relevant legislation—whether it’s the Fair Work Act for national agreements or local frameworks for other sectors—by using best-practice processes, thorough documentation, and quality control checkpoints that minimise risk and boost stakeholder confidence.
How do I speak to someone at EMA about Enterprise Bargaining services?
Call (08) 8203 1700 or email [email protected]
What experience do EMA Consulting investigators have?
EMA Consulting has been conducting workplace investigations for employers across Australia for over 28 years. Our investigators are all licensed investigators whose experience is varied across all industries in Australia. Our team is also the subject matter expertise behand Australia’s only full end-to-end ER case management system, MyEMS. Please contact us to see how we can help.