Workplace Relations Minister Peter Reith's latest, unsuccessful, attempt to outlaw 'pattern bargaining' is just one more prong of his persistent attacks on collective bargaining and on the Australian trade unions that use those strategies most effectively.
Pattern bargaining is neither illegal or against the interests of workers.
In fact, it is the only way enterprise bargaining can work in a fragmented industry like construction. Many construction employers actually share this view. Last year, at an industrial relations conference organised by the Master Builders, more than 250 employer representatives were unanimous in the view that pattern bargaining was well suited to the construction industry. It alone could deliver certainty and a level playing field to the industry. In an industry where many different businesses and their employees work side by side, it makes sense to allow for site agreements which cover all companies operating on a particular project or to permit employers and unions to strike sector agreements if they wish.