Inside IR: The Australian Industrial Relations Podcast - Episode 9 Bargaining preparation in the new world of IR

In this episode, partners Rohan Doyle and Tony Wood discuss bargaining dynamics arising from changes to union and employer leverage following the Secure Jobs, Better Pay reforms, and share practical suggestions for how employers should approach bargaining planning in this new world of IR.

Many employers will be focussed on securing enterprise agreements which minimise the potential perils of multi-employer bargaining or arbitration by the Fair Work Commission. How should employers prepare for these changes? What’s more important now? And what are some of the key preparatory steps that employers can take to enhance their bargaining outcomes? Rohan and Tony consider all of this and more in an enlightening conversation covering the priorities for pre-bargaining planning (how much and how long in advance is desirable?), the importance of securing employee trust and engagement, being ready for compulsory arbitration by the Commission, what unions do well and where employers can do better. This episode has lots of practical tips and insights, including for experienced IR practitioners.