Australian Workplace Agreements

You might have heard the Federal Liberal Government and even your employer carrying on about the benefits of individual contracts or "AWAs". You might have heard AWAs promoted as a new, modern, exciting way of working. You might have heard that AWAs will let employees "break free" from awards. Don't be fooled. AWAs are about one thing: tipping the balance of power more firmly towards your employer and away from you.

What is an Australian Workplace Agreement?

Australian Workplace Agreements (AWAs) are contracts of employment made between individual workers and their employer.

AWA's

• Can be like fixed term contracts - when they end you might be out of work unless you make sure the AWA includes ongoing employment provisions
• Can completely override Federal and State awards and an Enterprise Agreement operating in the workplace
• Are negotiated between you and your employer unless you formally appoint your Union as your bargaining agent
• Are approved by the Federal Government's own department - the Employment Advocate - they are usually not scrutinized by an independent umpire like the Industrial Commission
• It is legal for an employer to offer an AWA to prospective employees and ask you to agree to the AWA before commencing employment

What happens if my employer breaches the AWA? If your employer breaches the AWA, this is a matter for the Court rather than the Industrial Relations Commission. Court proceedings mean delays and legal costs in prosecuting your employer. Can you afford that?

Stay safe - stick with your Award and Enterprise Agreement If you stick with your Award and Enterprise Agreement the ASU can help you enforce it, as long as you are a Union member of course!

But if I'm on an AWA - can the Union help? If your employment conditions are to be governed by an AWA then assistance from your Union throughout the period of the Agreement is important.

With an Australian Workplace Agreement your employer holds all the cards. Even things up. If you are offered an AWA ask your Union for help.

Contact Details
ASU-SANT
Ph:  08 83631322
Fax: 08 83632225
union@asu-sant.asn.au