People & Organisation

[SEM A 2024] Employment Relations - A2

Purpose of the Report: Explain the goal of the report, which is to educate the new executive on the enterprise bargaining process. Overview of Enterprise Bargaining: Brief introduction to the concept of enterprise bargaining and its significance in the Australian employment relations system. Structure of the Report: Outline the key sections and what each will cover.

DETAILED INSTRUCTION

A/ ASSIGNMENT RECAP

Key Details of the Assignment:

  • For your assignment, you need to write a 1,500-word report targeted at a new senior executive who has recently joined your company from overseas and has limited familiarity with the Australian employment relations system, specifically enterprise bargaining.

Suggested Structure:

  • Title Page - Includes student details and assignment title.

  • Introduction (approx. 150 words) - Brief overview of enterprise bargaining and the scope of the report.

  • Background & Discussion (approx. 600 words) - Detailed discussion on the concept of enterprise agreements, the process of making these agreements in Australia, relevant unions, and any significant history that might impact negotiations.

  • Recommendations (approx. 600 words) - Strategic approaches for the upcoming enterprise bargaining, with rationale for chosen strategies and practical application suggestions.

  • Conclusion (approx. 150 words) - Summarize the key points and the anticipated impact of the recommendations.

  • Reference List - Following RMIT Harvard referencing style.

B/ KEYWORD EXPLANATIONS

  1. Enterprise Agreement (EA): An Enterprise Agreement (EA) is a legally binding arrangement between employers and employees outlining employment terms and conditions. In Australia, these agreements are negotiated collectively between the parties, typically with union involvement, and must meet specific standards set by the Fair Work Commission.

  2. Enterprise Bargaining: Enterprise bargaining refers to the process through which employers, employees, and their representatives (such as unions) negotiate over the terms and conditions of an EA. This process is meant to result in a mutually beneficial agreement that is tailored to the needs of a specific workplace or organization.

  3. Employment Relations: This term encompasses the overall management and dynamics of the relationship between employers and employees, including aspects of negotiation, communication, dispute resolution, and compliance with employment law.

  4. Peer-Reviewed Literature: Academic articles, papers, and books that have been evaluated and critiqued by experts in the field before publication. Including peer-reviewed literature ensures the credibility and scholarly value of the information used in your report.

  5. Organisational Policies and Procedures: These are formal guidelines and rules created by an organization to govern its operations and employee behavior. They provide structure, control, legal compliance, and a framework for decision-making.

  6. State/National Regulations: These are laws and legal requirements established by state or federal government bodies that dictate how businesses should operate, including how they should treat employees. These regulations include common laws, statutory rules, awards, and enterprise agreements.

  7. Regulatory Standards: These are specific requirements set by regulatory bodies that organizations must follow to ensure safety, fairness, and compliance in various aspects of business and employment.

  8. ER Jargon: Specialized terminology used in the field of employment relations. The report should avoid or minimize jargon unless it is clearly defined for the reader, ensuring that the executive can easily understand the content.

D/ DETAILED OUTLINE 

  • Purpose of the Report: Explain the goal of the report, which is to educate the new executive on the enterprise bargaining process.

  • Overview of Enterprise Bargaining: Brief introduction to the concept of enterprise bargaining and its significance in the Australian employment relations system.

  • Structure of the Report: Outline the key sections and what each will cover.

Example: 

This report aims to equip a newly appointed executive at Woolworths, who is unfamiliar with the Australian employment relations system, with essential knowledge about the enterprise bargaining process. As Woolworths continues to navigate complex labor negotiations, understanding this framework is crucial for strategic decision-making and effective leadership in labor relations.

Woolworths, a major player in the Australian retail sector, has a history of extensive enterprise bargaining with its workforce, often represented by unions like the Retail and Fast Food Workers Union (RAFFWU). These negotiations focus on securing fair wages and working conditions, reflecting the company's commitment to maintaining a sustainable and productive working environment. Recent actions, such as strikes by workers demanding better pay and conditions, underscore the dynamic and sometimes contentious nature of labor relations within the company.

This background sets the stage for detailed discussions on how enterprise agreements are structured at Woolworths, the role of unions in these processes, and strategic recommendations for upcoming negotiations. Through this report, the executive will gain a comprehensive overview of the institutional and regulatory frameworks that shape enterprise bargaining, enhancing their capability to contribute effectively to future negotiations. 

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