Fair Work Commission

Yes.

All parties need to consent to participating in Cooperative Workplaces. We won’t open a Cooperative Workplaces file if only one party wants it.

This is because the interest-based methods used won’t work when only one party is willing to use them. A traditional approach is claims-based. The interest-based approach is very difficult when one party is using claims-based methods.

Each party will need to sign a Form F79 application to confirm that they genuinely agree to participate.

The Commission needs to be confident that all parties are genuinely willing to work together to better their relationship and commit to learning and using the interest-based process.  

No.

Cooperative Workplaces is not ‘all or nothing’. One party may be more open and willing to share information and address concerns while another party is more sceptical and guarded. But both parties must be willing to try the interest-based method for it to work.

Yes.

Parties can nominate a Member of their choice. Everyone involved must agree on the nominated Member.

If parties don’t nominate a Member in their application, we’ll suggest one.

The main eligibility requirement is that all parties consent to participate.

Each party needs to sign a Form F79 application to confirm that they genuinely agree to participate.

Yes.

The Commission provides 1–2 days of training, depending on your needs. The training is run by a Commission Member and is highly interactive.

Everyone needs to do the training. The interest-based approach is quite different to the traditional approach and requires a new set of skills.

No.

Parties have ultimate control in the process, activity and outcomes. You will be responsible for making the decisions that are right for you through cooperation and by consent.

Yes.

You can withdraw from Cooperative Workplaces at any time.

If one party withdraws, we will end the Cooperative Workplaces process. This is because all parties need to consent in order for Cooperative Workplaces to proceed.

No.

You don’t need a union for Cooperative Workplaces, but you do need at least one person who is there to represent the employees. If there is no one representing a group’s interests, there is no party to negotiate with.

No.

The Commission is only there to facilitate the process. A Commission Member will provide guidance or advice and will help the parties come up with a plan, but we will not make any decisions or direct any outcomes.

No.

Cooperative Workplaces does not take away or alter any legal rights for any of the parties.

The aim of interest-based approaches is to create strong employment relationships built on trust and respect. If you feel the need to take industrial action, it may reflect a breakdown in the relationship or process. The Member will consult with parties on whether to continue with Cooperative Workplaces.

Cooperative Workplaces is designed to cope well with change.

In traditional approaches, positions become 'locked in’. This makes it difficult to respond to economic and social changes and doesn’t safeguard parties’ interests in the longer term. The flexibility of interest-based approaches allows parties to work together to deal with change.