Workplace Research Centre News Update

"Is Australia ready for Good Faith Bargaining?” “How will employers and unions respond to the Great Recession?” “What threats and opportunities are posed by the new Fair Work Act which came into play yesterday?"

The critical issue facing Australian companies is just how long will the recession last and how will companies be able to retain key skills and capabilities to take advantage of any emergent recovery. One of the more controversial aspects of the Federal Budget is the forecast of strong recovery and sustained above trend growth within three years. This poses a real dilemma for business and the government. Do employers hang on to their key people and risk even bigger cut backs later or are further cuts made now which means unemployment will be even higher than the near 1 million already indicated? Either way there are enormous pressures on business to reduce labour costs now and we are already seeing adjustments in hours and scheduled leave, pay freezes or deferral of pay rises in professional and blue collar employment alike.

The New World of Enterprise Bargaining under the Fair Work Act 2009 Following on from our recent seminars, Managing the New Uncertainties: Strategies to respond to the Fair Work Act in the Economic Crisis, the Workplace Research Centre and Clayton Utz present this latest training offering on Enterprise Bargaining. To be held in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra and Perth in central CBD locations, this tailored program will offer an in-depth analysis of employer requirements under the new legislation, a negotiation skills workshop presented by a negotiation expert, comprehensive take-home materials and more. If you want to learn more about Enterprise Bargaining, then you do not want to miss out on this course! Click here for more information.

Australian Workplace Conference: Announcing two new speakers

Alex Christie, Deputy Head of Human Resources, Insurance Australia Group (IAG)
Alec Bashinsky, National Partner, People and Performance, Deloitte

Featured Conference Topic: Working in an Uncertain World: What are workers thinking?

The relatively sudden economic downturn that commenced at the end of 2008 was a shock to many businesses and workers. This presentation will bring to you one of the first accounts of workers’ experiences in this economic downturn from the 2009 Australia at Work survey. The presentation will examine what Australian workers think about workplace bargaining, unions, their managers, workloads, job security and their living standards.

For more information on the Australia at Work Survey please go to the website http://www.australiaatwork.org.au/

Book Now!

Download Flyer and Program Here

For Past Workplace Research Centre News Items click here