Award enterprise agreements and industrial instruments are important legal documents that govern the relationships between employers and employees in the workplace. These agreements provide a framework for the terms and conditions of employment, including wages, working hours, leave entitlements, and other benefits.
An award enterprise agreement is a legal document that sets out the terms and conditions of employment for a group of employees in a particular industry or occupation. These agreements are negotiated between employers and employee representatives, such as trade unions, and are registered with the Fair Work Commission.
An industrial instrument, on the other hand, is a broader term that refers to any legal document that governs the employment relationship. This includes awards, enterprise agreements, and other documents such as contracts of employment.
There are a number of different types of awards and enterprise agreements that can apply to different industries and occupations. For example, the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020 sets out the terms and conditions for employees working in the hospitality industry, while the Nurses and Midwives (Victorian Public Health Sector) Enterprise Agreement 2016-2020 governs the employment of nurses and midwives in the Victorian public health sector.
Awards and enterprise agreements can have a significant impact on the employment relationship, and it is important for both employers and employees to understand their rights and obligations under these documents. Employers are responsible for complying with the terms of the relevant award or enterprise agreement, while employees have the right to expect fair and reasonable conditions of employment.
In addition to awards and enterprise agreements, there are also other industrial instruments that can apply to the employment relationship. For example, a modern award is a legal document that sets out the minimum terms and conditions of employment for a particular industry or occupation. Modern awards are regularly reviewed and updated by the Fair Work Commission to ensure that they remain relevant and fair.
Overall, awards and enterprise agreements are important legal documents that play a key role in establishing fair and reasonable conditions of employment for workers in Australia. Employers and employees alike should be aware of their rights and obligations under these documents, and should seek professional advice if needed to ensure that they are complying with their legal obligations.