RESEARCH FEATURE

Advancing Enterprise Bargaining in Independent Schools through Collaborative, Interest‑Based Approaches

Enterprise bargaining continues to be a significant and evolving feature of the employment landscape within independent schools. As schools respond to increasing expectations around organisational sustainability, workforce wellbeing, and community confidence, there is a growing emphasis on approaches that support effective engagement, minimise conflict, and preserve relationships.

In this article, Alexandra O'Brien, Independent Schools Queensland (ISQ) Deputy Director Employee Relations, examines the role of interest-based bargaining as a contemporary and practical approach to enterprise bargaining.

Drawing on established mediation practice and the Fair Work Commission’s Collaborative Approaches Program, the paper outlines how a shift from traditional positional bargaining to a more collaborative, interest-focused model can support improved outcomes for schools and staff.

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