Cooperative Workplaces

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Cooperative Workplaces (formerly known as New Approaches) is a program to help parties find ways to build cooperative working relationships. It aims to both address immediate issues and establish processes that work long term.

Interested in Cooperative Workplaces? Contact us at cooperativeworkplaces@fwc.gov.au.

How does it work?

The Fair Work Commission draws on its vast understanding and experience to help parties

identify shared and conflicting interests
resolve and prevent disputes
avoid arbitration
reach agreements
support change

The program supports parties in reaching agreement and establishing processes for future negotiations through

training
workshops
discussion
facilitation

How does this help?

The Cooperative Workplaces process delivers

outcomes that meet the needs of all parties
efficient agreement reaching and approval process

Aiming to improve

workplace performance
work satisfaction
wellbeing and safety
working relationships

How do I get started?

The Cooperative Workplaces program will only work if both parties are committed to it.

The first step is for the Commission to ensure all involved understand the process and agree. The Commission will provide a 2-3 hour information session to any of the interested parties.

The Commission is looking for employer or employee bodies who

are genuinely interested in moving away from an adversarial relationship
want to build a cooperative relationship
are aware of the time commitment required by the Cooperative Workplaces program
are clear and open with each other about the purpose of the process.

If you think Cooperative Workplaces can help you and your workplace, please contact us by email cooperativeworkplaces@fwc.gov.au

What happens then?

When both parties agree, the formal application starts with the Form F79 – Cooperative Workplaces application

The services the Commission may provide include:

training in interest-based bargaining
help with enterprise bargaining
help with developing joint processes to implement enterprise agreements
training in interest-based dispute resolution
training and assistance in collaborative workplace change, including training for consultative committees

Process overview

Please note: this model illustrates an overview of the Cooperative Workplaces process. Some applications may be more complex, so the process may require additional steps.

Party or parties become interested in putting the adversarial relationship behind them
Party or parties approach the Fair Work Commission for information
Conduct of information session for one or all parties (Not Mandatory)
Both parties agree to try the Cooperative Workplaces program
Parties complete and lodge the application Form F79 with the Commission
The Commission assesses the suitability of the application to be handled as a Cooperative Workplaces Matter
1. 1. Application assessed as suitable for Cooperative Workplaces and the parties are notified
  2. Cooperative Workplaces file is allocated to a Commission Member
  3. The Commission Member conducts joint interest-based training for both parties
  4. Facilitation of the file begins. This is mainly through workshops and conferences
  5. Commission provides ongoing support and guidance throughout the life of the file
  6. Matters subject to application conclude and parties agree to close the file
  7. File is closed
2. 1. Application is assessed as not suitable for Cooperative Workplaces, thus no file is opened. Parties are advised of this outcome.
    
    Advice may include an alternative provision under the Fair Work Act to access the Commission’s assistance

Find out more

FAQs

Cooperative Workplaces frequently asked questions

Guides

Case studies

Cooperative Workplaces case studies show how the Commission helps.

Still have questions?

Contact the Commission to discuss the Cooperative Workplaces process before applying: cooperativeworkplaces@fwc.gov.au.

Updated time

Last updated

24 November 2020

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