Attack on bargaining rights a risk to living standards

28 October, 2025

Federal Coalition leader Sussan Ley’s plan to overturn multi-employer bargaining laws is a risk to living standards for Australian workers. 

The plan marks the first industrial relations policy position announced by the federal opposition since its 2025 election loss. 

The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) condemned the policy, citing the 5.1 per cent annual pay rise secured by multi-employer bargaining agreements in June 2025. 

 

Multi-employer, union-backed agreements boost wages 

Workers on multi-employer agreements are $1,400 better off per year than the average worker. 

Multi-employer bargaining rights were introduced in 2022 as part of the federal government’s Secure Jobs, Better Pay legislation. 

Related news