EA25 Bargaining update: New Laws Strengthen Bargaining Power
04 December 2024
The ASU has won a landmark decision in the Fair Work Commission that confirms local government workers can access multi-employer bargaining.
The Federal Government introduced new laws last year that enable workers across multiple employers to bargain for one enterprise agreement (an “MEB”).
ASU members now have an opportunity to use the new laws to improve pay and conditions of employment for all local government workers by:
- Ensuring employers can’t put an EA out to vote without the consent of the union
- Collectivising our power across multiple workplaces; and
- Allowing workers to elect to join (or be “roped in”) to an existing MEB.
The ASU’s win on MEBs in local government has employers worried because multi-employer bargaining provides workers with stronger bargaining power.
As soon as the Fair Work Commission made its ruling, employers started trying to commence bargaining.
This is a deliberate strategy to stop workers from accessing multi-employer bargaining, because the law says that if a union has agreed to bargain for a single enterprise agreement, then that employer cannot be included in an Authorisation to bargain for a multi-employer agreement.
We believe it’s too early to start bargaining, and ASU members need a chance to consider whether the opportunity presented by MEBs is the right call for your workplace.
We’re already hearing Employer objections about how different each Council is and how the unique culture of each Council will be undermined. If employers are worried, it’s a good sign we might be on to something!
We want to assure you that the ASU is committed to using whatever legal framework gets you the best outcome. We will always fight for your wages and conditions.
For more information please contact your ASU organiser or ASU delegate.
We’re stronger together. Ask a co-worker to join the ASU to get a better deal on your enterprise agreement. It’s easy to join at
https://www.asuvictas.com.au/VICTAS/Join