Industrial Relations

Expertise in Industrial Relations

Navigating the complexities of industrial relations requires precision, insight and a deep understanding of the ever-changing landscape of workplace law. At Australian Business Lawyers & Advisors (ABLA), we are dedicated to providing expert advice and practical solutions to help employers manage industrial relations challenges with confidence.

With extensive experience in enterprise bargaining, award compliance, dispute resolution, and industrial relations strategy, we support organisations across industries to achieve fair and sustainable outcomes. Whether you're negotiating agreements, responding to industrial action, or managing workforce change, our team delivers tailored strategies that align with your business goals.

ABLA is regularly involved in significant test cases, engaging in critical workplace policy discussions, particularly during the recent period of substantial industrial relations reform.

At its core, Industrial Relations encompasses:

• Workplace Laws: These include legislation such as the Fair Work Act 2009, (Cth) (FWA), 121 modern awards, enterprise agreements and other legal instruments that regulate employment conditions. 
• Employer and Employee Rights: IR ensures that both parties understand their entitlements and obligations, promoting fairness and compliance.
• Union Involvement: Industrial relations also governs the role of trade unions, including collective bargaining, union representation, and workplace disputes.
• Dispute Resolution: IR frameworks provide mechanisms for addressing and resolving workplace conflicts effectively.

An understanding of industrial relations is essential for Australian employers. With the recent IR Reforms that have been introduced over the past few years, ABLA has been at the forefront of these changes and has provided regular educational sessions for employers via our webinars and handouts.

Our indepth analysis of the biggest IR Reforms in more than a decade are freely available to all employers in Australia, and have assisted many organisations navigate the complex new laws. These include:

• Fixed term contracts and limits on freedom of contract
• New 'Employee' definition and changes to casual employment
• Pay and Unions
• Road Transport
• Enterprise bargaining
• Flexible work arrangements
• Right to disconnect.

We assist clients with enterprise bargaining through:

• development of enterprise agreement goals
• formulation of negotiation plans
• negotiation of agreements
• handling of disputation during negotiations
• drafting of enterprise agreements
• registration of agreements.

ABLA took a pioneering role by leading the first multi-employer supported bargaining case under the new laws effective since June 2023, representing the Australian Childcare Alliance and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The case exemplifies ABLA's pivotal role in convening unions, employers, and the Government to negotiate equitable industry-wide conditions. 

Industrial disputes arise in a range of circumstances, whether it be in the course of enterprise bargaining negotiations, or otherwise. Our significant experience in this area enables us to assist you to resolve disputes by negotiation, conciliation and, if necessary, arbitration.

Our team has a deep knowledge of Australia's IR landscape, from enterprise bargaining, managing union negotiations, conducting compliance audits or working with organisations on their IR strategy. We understand that industrial relations is a cornerstone of successful business management. ABLA is uniquely placed to assist you with industrial relations issues. 

Read more on the latest Delegates' Rights and Union Right of Entry legislation and consider upskilling your team with tailored inhouse training. ABLA runs regular Enterprise Bargaining training sessions throughout the year. Get in touch via the form on this page to register your interest in the next course.