Lithium Enterprise Agreement Information Hub

Enterprise bargaining is the process of negotiation between an employer, employees and their bargaining representatives for the purposes of making an enterprise agreement.

You may appoint a bargaining representative, which may be yourself or a colleague, by using the bargaining representative appointment form sent in October 2023 to employees covered by the proposed enterprise agreement.

You will need to return the signed form to employee.relations@mrl.com.au.

Each party to the proposed enterprise agreement usually prepares a list of items (log of claims) they would like to negotiate. Those items are then discussed and negotiated during scheduled bargaining meetings.

The timeframe for making enterprise agreements varies and there is no set time limit. However, it is in the interests of all parties to reach an agreement as quickly as possible so that the terms of the enterprise agreement can be finalised.

Yes. All employees who will be covered by the proposed enterprise agreement and who are employed at the time of the vote will have an opportunity to vote on the agreement.

Although it is not compulsory to vote, you are strongly encouraged to participate as this is your opportunity to have your say.

All employees will have access to a copy of the final version of the proposed agreement at least seven days before they are asked to vote on it.

The proposed agreement is made when a majority of the employees covered by the agreement vote in favour.

A majority means that a minimum of 50% plus one of those employees that cast a valid vote, must vote in favour for the agreement to be approved.

Following the voting process, the agreement must be lodged with the Fair Work Commission for approval.

The agreement must pass what is known as the ‘Better Off Overall Test’, which means employees must be better off overall under the terms of the agreement then they otherwise would be under the terms of the applicable underlying modern award, the Mining Industry Award 2020.

The agreement will commence operation seven days after it is approved by the Fair Work Commission.

We encourage all employees who will be covered by the agreement to provide feedback and ask any questions they may have. You can direct any feedback, suggestions or questions to your direct supervisor or emailing employee.relations@mrl.com.au.

You are also encouraged to discuss any questions with your supervisor or any member of the HR team.

Throughout the bargaining process, we will update these FAQs to add other relevant questions as they arise.

Further information about enterprise bargaining can be found on the Fair Work Commission and Fair Work Ombudsman websites.