Enterprise Agreement negotiation @ BHP Olympic Dam
Project description
As the lead negotiators, Savvy partnered with the internal project team to provide technical IR advice to re-negotiate a new Enterprise Agreement for the Mine Operator on the BHP Olympic Dam site. Savvy provided leadership on matters of EA Bargaining project governance, planning and implementation.
We were tasked with reaching an agreement that had the support of a majority of the employees and which could be approved by the Commission. Critically the enterprise bargaining process was to be completed while maintaining the constructive relationships that existed with the Contractor, the workforce and the Mine Owner (BHP). All parties required a high level of confidence in the integrity of the process, including the negotiations, the approval process and the implementation of the agreement itself.
We engaged and managed the relationship with signatories to minimise the amount of disruption and disputation that can typically accompany bargaining and to ensure a satisfactory outcome (successful ‘Yes’ vote).
Enterprise Agreement negotiation can be a tense time for both those tasked with negotiating on behalf of the Employer and those employee representatives who are actively involved in the process on behalf of employees.
Whether it is the application of the better off overall test or the approach taken to bargaining directly with employees, the application of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) is encouraging many employers to think carefully about their bargaining strategy and approach. Savvy HR takes an 'interests based approach' to Agreement making to ensure that all stakeholders are engaged through the enterprise bargaining process. Our style is constructive, fair and participative.
Our enterprise bargaining services
Our enterprise bargaining services include:
- Providing governance advice and EA project planning
- Drafting and negotiating enterprise bargaining agreements, ensuring compliance with legislative requirements
- Maintaining constructive union relationships
- Developing and implementing consultation and communication strategies through to implementation.
