Enterprise Bargaining FAQs

• What is an Enterprise Agreement

  An enterprise agreement is an agreement made between an employer and its employees that sets out terms and conditions of employment. The University of Notre Dame Australia has one enterprise agreement – including Academic and General employees.

• Where can I find the current agreement

  Access the University of Notre Dame Australia Enterprise Agreement 2022 – 2026.

• What is enterprise bargaining

  Enterprise bargaining is the process by which one or more employers and employees negotiate the terms and conditions which are included in an enterprise agreement. All parties can be represented in the process; for example, unions can represent employees.

• When does enterprise bargaining begin

  Bargaining on a proposed enterprise agreement begins when the employer agrees to bargain or initiates bargaining. The University of Notre Dame Australia agreed to begin bargaining on the new enterprise agreement when it wrote to staff on 4 May 2026.

• Who represents me in enterprise bargaining

  Employees have the right to represent themselves or nominate a bargaining representative to participate in the negotiations on their behalf. At the University of Notre Dame Australia, there is one staff union – the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU). The NTEU is the automatic bargaining representative for NTEU members unless a staff member issues a notice to The University of Notre Dame Australia stating otherwise.

  Employees were notified of their representational rights in relation to the upcoming round of bargaining in an email dated 4 May 2026. A copy of the Notice of Employee Representational Rights was circulated on that date.

• How long will enterprise bargaining take

  There is no set timeframe in which bargaining must be completed, although it is usually beneficial for all parties to reach an agreement as soon as practicable.

• What is bargaining in good faith

  The Fair Work Act 2009 requires that all those who participate in the bargaining process do so in good faith. The good faith bargaining requirements are as follows:

  • Attending, and participating in, meetings at reasonable times
  • Disclosing relevant information (other than confidential or commercially sensitive information) in a timely manner
  • Responding to proposals made by other bargaining representatives for the agreement in a timely manner
  • Giving genuine consideration to the proposals of other bargaining representatives for the agreement and giving reasons for the bargaining representative’s responses to those proposals
  • Refraining from capricious or unfair conduct that undermines freedom of association or collective bargaining
  • Recognising and bargaining with the other bargaining representatives for the agreement.

• What is a log of claims

  Bargaining representatives usually begin the bargaining process by each submitting a log of claims to be discussed during enterprise bargaining. The log of claims lists the key priorities that a bargaining representative would like to achieve in the new agreement.

• Do I have to vote for a new enterprise agreement

  Every employee covered by an enterprise agreement should have their say about their terms and conditions of employment and can do so by voting when a ballot is held. Employees are not obliged to vote; however, it is important to consider whether you want your voice to be heard.

• I am not a member of the union, can I still vote

  Yes, all employees are eligible to vote if covered under clause 2 of the current agreement.

• When will I be able to vote on a new enterprise agreement

  All employees covered by a proposed agreement will be notified seven days before voting on the agreement. Employees will be provided with a copy of the new enterprise agreement and any other materials that reference the agreement that assist with explaining the terms and conditions. To assist employees with the voting process, employees will also be notified of the time and place that the vote will take place and the voting method that will be used, at the start of the seven-day access period.

• How does an agreement come into effect

  In order for an agreement to come into effect, two things need to occur; firstly, the majority of employees need to support the agreement by voting to approve it. Once this occurs, the agreement is lodged with the Fair Work Commission for approval.

• Where can employees get information about how negotiations are progressing

  This web page contains information regarding the progress of bargaining, and if you have any questions or would like to provide feedback, please email ea@nd.edu.au.

• Where can I find out more about enterprise bargaining generally

  The Fair Work Ombudsman provides further information on bargaining for an agreement.

Contact us

You can contact the Enterprise Agreement team by email to ea@nd.edu.au.