What if they offer a really, really sweet deal in a non-union agreement?
If a non-union collective agreement is offered to staff, you will have to analyse it carefully. For example, check if it divides staff into two groups. Even if your conditions are not attacked, future employees’ conditions could be. When there are two tiers of employees, and one with better pay and conditions- who will be the target for future job insecurity and redundancy? Also be aware about short term benefits versus long term bargaining power. The current workforce may sign a non-union agreement because it looks good now, in 2008. But in three years’ time when Telstra – and the Australian economy! – has completely transformed, staff may find themselves in a weak bargaining position. Lastly, Labor’s new IR laws are going to go through Parliament soon. Even though the laws are in no way perfect, they will definitely mean employees and employers have a more level playing field. You don’t want to trade away any rights you might have before you even get them!
