Collective bargaining in 2025.

Every few years, when their Enterprise Bargaining (EB) Agreement expires, union members have the opportunity to improve their working conditions, wages, and contract terms in the Queensland Public Service. This process is called collective bargaining or EB negotiations. To make the most of this opportunity, it is essential for union members to understand how collective bargaining and negotiations work, and how they can actively engage in shaping their next EB Agreement.

What does collective bargaining mean?

Collective bargaining is the process through which workers, as union members, negotiate with their employers to establish fair terms and conditions of employment. This includes aspects like wages, benefits, working hours, job security, and workplace safety. By coming together and joining their union, workers have more power to advocate for their rights and improve their working conditions. During the process, employers and unions engage in negotiations to try and find solutions that benefit both sides.

What are the steps in collective bargaining?
PHASE 1: GETTING READY

1. Union members decide what improvements they want to make to their working conditions and wages. They do this by talking to their colleagues, sending out surveys, and holding union meetings.
2. Union members create a list of proposed improvements for their Enterprise Bargaining (EB) Agreement. This list is called a "Log of Claims."
3. Union members create a plan for how they will work together to win improvements. This might include:
   • A plan for how they will get their colleagues involved; and
   • Deciding what steps to take if the employer doesn't agree to their requests.

👉 Take Action: Join Together Today

If you’re not yet a union member, now is the time to join. Being part of our union ensures you have a say in the bargaining process and strengthens our ability to secure better wages and conditions for everyone.

📌 Click here to join us today and become part of a union that wins for workers. 

PHASE 2: NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE EMPLOYER

Union delegates meet with the employer to negotiate the proposed improvements. In these meetings, delegates present evidence to the employer about why these improvements should be made.

PHASE 3: CAMPAIGN ACTION

1. The employer will make an offer to union members, showing which improvements they agree on and which they don’t. Union members then vote on whether to accept the offer by voting "Yes" or "No."
2. If the employer agrees to all of the proposed improvements, congratulations! You will get a pay rise and better working conditions. However, this is rarely the case.
3. If union members do not accept the employer’s offer, they take action to grow their union power and show the employer how important it is to improve working conditions and wages. This could include:
   1. Wearing a sticker that shows what they are campaigning for
   2. Asking the community for support for their campaign
   3. Putting up posters about the campaign
   4. Attending a rally at the workplace
4. Once the majority of union members accept an offer from the employer, bargaining ends. A new EB Agreement is created, setting working conditions and wages for the next few years.

Why joining your union is important for collective bargaining.

The strength of the union comes from its members. Every conversation, survey response, and action members take contributes to our collective power. Let’s start the year strong by working together to prepare for bargaining. Share this with your colleagues and ask them to join you in making a difference to your working conditions and wages this year!