Enterprise Bargaining is the process where the University, staff and union representatives work together to negotiate a new Enterprise Agreement (EA). The Agreement outlines important employment conditions such as salaries, leave entitlements, workload arrangements and other workplace benefits.

Once negotiations are complete and a proposed agreement has been drafted, eligible staff will have the opportunity to vote on it.

For the agreement to take effect, it must:

• Be approved by a majority of staff who vote; and
• Be approved by the Fair Work Commission.

The current Flinders University Enterprise Agreement 2023–2026 reached its nominal expiry date on 3 July 2026. However, it remains in place until a new agreement is finalised and approved.

If you have any questions about the process, please contact us at eb@flinders.edu.au

The current Enterprise Agreement reached its nominal expiry date on 3 July 2026, but it will continue to operate until a replacement Agreement comes into effect.

Key milestones to date include:

• 18 March 2026 – Notice of Employee Representational Rights (NERR) issued to all staff.
• Early April 2026 – Enterprise Bargaining negotiations commenced.

Throughout the bargaining process, we will provide regular updates, share progress and create opportunities for staff to ask questions.

You can also contact the Enterprise Bargaining team at eb@flinders.edu.au at any time.

All staff were notified of their right to be represented during bargaining through the Notice of Employee Representational Rights issued on 18 March 2026.

If you are a member of a union, your union will act as your bargaining representative unless you choose to nominate someone else.

Staff were provided with information about how to nominate an alternative bargaining representative.

The University is committed to bargaining in good faith and working collaboratively with staff and bargaining representatives to achieve the best possible outcome.

Under the Fair Work Act, all parties involved in bargaining must:

• Attend and participate in meetings at reasonable times.
• Share relevant information in a timely manner (excluding confidential or commercially sensitive information).
• Respond to proposals promptly.
• Give genuine consideration to proposals and explain the reasons for their responses.
• Act fairly and respectfully throughout the process.
• Recognise and engage with other bargaining representatives.

Good faith bargaining helps ensure that discussions are constructive, transparent and focused on reaching an agreement.

Once negotiations are complete and a proposed Agreement is ready, eligible staff will have the opportunity to vote.

At least seven days before voting opens, staff will receive:

• A copy of the proposed Agreement.
• Information explaining the changes and key provisions.
• Details about how to participate in the vote.

While voting is voluntary, we encourage all eligible staff to participate so that everyone's voice can be heard.