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What is interest-based bargaining?

Learn about a collaborative approach to bargaining – interest-based bargaining – and hear from employers, employees and representatives who have used it in their workplaces. This is module 1 in our two-part series on interest-based bargaining.

Module overview

The first in a series of two modules, this learning module introduces you to a collaborative approach to bargaining: interest-based bargaining.

Traditional enterprise bargaining is often adversarial, with both sides, or parties, approaching the process with pre-determined positions or claims. Interest-based bargaining is different: it focuses on the interests that are behind people’s positions and seeks to ensure that each party’s interests have been addressed.

This learning module:

  • explains the features and benefits of interest-based bargaining, and how it is different to more traditional, positional bargaining
  • unpacks the differences between positions and interests
  • provides case studies to show how positional and interest-based bargaining work in practice
  • features interviews with employer and union representatives who have used interest-based and positional approaches to bargaining.

To get started, click on the green Start Module button, below.

Want to know more? Find out about how we can help with interest-based bargaining through our Cooperative Workplaces program. You can access guides, videos and case studies which show how the program has worked for other workplaces.

Everyone

You will understand the key concepts of interest-based bargaining, its benefits, and what it takes to succeed.

20 minutes

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Accessibility: this learning module is optimised for users on desktop, laptop and tablet operating systems.
The module includes closed captioning, which can be turned on by selecting the CC button at the bottom of the module screen.

20 minutes

What is interest-based bargaining?

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Related Modules

Everyone

The interest-based bargaining process

How does interest-based bargaining work in practice and what does it take to succeed? This is module 2 in our two-part series on interest-based bargaining.

Start learning
Other helpful
resources
  • Fair Work Commission
  • Cooperative Workplaces program
  • Make an enterprise agreement
  • Agreements and awards
  • Interest-based bargaining
  • Apply or lodge
  • Workplace Advice Service
  • Where to find legal help
  • Contact us

The Fair Work Commission Online Learning Portal offers a growing catalogue of online learning modules about key workplace topics.

Visit the Fair Work Commission’s website
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