Definition of workplace partnership

Workplace partnership is about an active relationship between unions and employers to deliver outcomes that benefit the mutual interests of both parties.

A successful workplace or industry partnership results in mutual gains for both employers and workers through changes that can include increased innovation, productivity and improved services resulting in improved organisational viability. At the same time, these changes address the interests of employees through improvement in the quality of working life. This can include; greater employment security, training and development opportunities, more participation in how work is carried out, greater influence over work and workplaces, greater autonomy, and pay and pay systems that meet the needs of both the organisation and the employees.

By recognising the value of different perspectives the partners - union and employer - bring, workplace partnership can provide a framework and catalyst for sustainable improved workplace performance, more widely shared ownership of outcomes and improved rewards to the partners.

Embarking on a partnership approach requires;

• respect - recognition and acknowledgement of the differing as well shared interests of both parties,
• a willingness to do things differently - to take a risk,
• commitment - a commitment to the success and advancement of the interests of the other partner.

Over time, successful partnerships develop:

• confidence and trust in each other
• openness and good faith
• people with skills and knowledge of partnership processes
• well resourced and organised structures that are robust and can handle a wide range of issues, and
• an ability to deal with and work through conflict