Choosing to negotiate an EBA shows commitment to creating stability and sustainability for your workforce. In today’s candidate-driven market, with increasing union demands, having an experienced negotiator is essential.

Our Industrial Relations Lead, Bec Schroeder, is GAP trained in negotiation and has successfully managed more than 12 EBA processes involving multiple unions. Bec has worked with organisations in FMCG, manufacturing, and construction across Victoria’s Central Highlands, Geelong, and Western Melbourne.

Unions exist to protect and represent their members. Their representatives are highly skilled in employment law and negotiation. For balance, employers need equally experienced representation.

We can step in as your partner to manage union communications and negotiations effectively.

Poor performance can affect the entire workplace. Sometimes, after every effort has been made to manage an employee’s performance, termination becomes necessary.

Fear of an unfair dismissal claim can hold employers back. While claims can be lodged without supporting evidence, they are usually resolved through negotiation. We support you through the disciplinary process, termination, and management of unfair dismissal claims.

When grievances or incidents arise, having an impartial and skilled investigator ensures fairness and accuracy. We conduct interviews, review evidence, and provide a detailed, evidence-based report with recommendations for next steps.

We analyse staffing models, costs, and on-costs such as superannuation, leave entitlements, WorkCover premiums, and payroll tax. By reviewing rosters and shift structures, we help you ensure your business gets the best value from every labour dollar.

Disputes can be stressful and disruptive. We provide independent support to review practices, confirm compliance, and identify solutions that balance the needs of both employer and employees.

At times, businesses may need to temporarily stand down employees. This must be done in strict compliance with legislation. We help you manage the process lawfully and with care.

Strikes can be costly for any business. Our GAP-trained negotiators work to resolve disputes quickly and reach agreements that allow everyone to return to work as soon as possible.

Ending an employment relationship is inevitable at times. The key is to handle the process legally, ethically, and compassionately. We ensure all steps are compliant with legislation while supporting a fair and respectful transition.

The industrial relations framework in Australia is shaped by:

1. The Fair Work Act 2009 (as amended)
2. Modern Awards

3. Enterprise Bargaining Agreements and individual contracts

These elements overlap and interact, creating a complex system that can be difficult to navigate. Our team can help you interpret the requirements and implement the right actions to ensure your business remains compliant.