King & Wood Mallesons works closely with clients across sectors to develop industrial relations (IR) strategies, manage the risk of industrial action and successfully resolve disputes when they arise.
The introduction of the Fair Work Act represented a paradigm shift from the WorkChoices focus on individual employment arrangements to collective industrial arrangements. Modern awards, collective agreements and the new good faith bargaining rules have established a new playing field where unions and Fair Work Australia hold greater influence. Closely tracking these developments, our team of Industrial Relations specialists are focused on the impact of these changes on our clients’ businesses and help them prepare accordingly. Requirements vary across sectors, so our team draws on their experience across major corporates, financial services, energy and resources, and industrials to share industry best practice.
Where compliance or sound IR strategy is not enough to avoid industrial action, clients rely on King & Wood Mallesons’ experience in negotiating and settling complex and potentially damaging industrial disputes. Our team is focused on resolving potential disputes as early as possible and minimising the impact on our clients’ businesses, including obtaining urgent relief to ensure business continuity pending resolution of disputes.
We frequently provide strategic advice in connection with achieving workplace relations objectives including advice:
On establishing workplace arrangements with employees and/or unions
To assist with collective bargaining negotiations and agreements
As to options and strategies available to respond to and resolve industrial disputes
To manage union right of entry
As to restructuring, redundancy and redeployment proposals.