Unions have won significantly broader rights to pursue industrial action after a ruling by Fair Work Australia ensured increased legal protection for striking.

 

Unions will now possess the right to legally strike before the commencement of negations between employers and their staff, a move that has drawn heavy criticism from business groups

 

Pre-bargaining striking will ensure that employees will not be forced into illegal industrial action if the employer refuses to negotiate.

 

The Australian Chamber of Commerce has attacked the move as reckless and potentially damaging to the economy and would expose employers to ‘double jeopardy.

 

Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Jobs and Workplace Relations Chris Evans has defended the decision, saying the rules were clear and tough.

 

“If one party is genuinely trying to reach an agreement, it is simply not good enough for the other party to refuse to sit down at the bargaining table. Fair Work Australia, the independent umpire, decided the matter.”