The terms of employment of Australian workers are regulated by both Federal and State legislation and also, for certain classes of workers, by industrial awards or agreements of either Federal or State industrial tribunals. These enable employers to set appropriate terms and conditions of employment tailored to an enterprise and displacing existing industry or craft based awards. Employers cannot generally contract out of the minimum conditions provided under State and Federal legislation and industrial awards and agreements.
Labour laws provide for conciliation and arbitration of industrial disputes.
While employee membership of trade unions is not compulsory, existing industrial regulation in Australia depends on representation of employees by organised industry or craft unions operating on a national or State basis. Please contact Tony Gooch for further information.