ENTERPRISE BARGAINING (EB) TOOL 001
Glossary of Key Enterprise Bargaining Terms
Start building confidence in enterprise bargaining — before you even get to the table.
Why this resource exists
Enterprise bargaining is one of the most complex and high-risk activities organisations undertake — yet many leaders and representatives enter the process without a clear understanding of the language, structure and expectations.
This glossary has been developed by the workplace relations and HR experts at Humanify HR to provide a practical foundation for anyone involved in bargaining.
It introduces the key terms, concepts and processes that underpin enterprise bargaining — helping you engage more effectively, ask better questions, and avoid common pitfalls.
A strong starting point — but not the full picture
Understanding the terminology is critical — but it’s only one part of successful enterprise bargaining.
What we see consistently across organisations is:
Leaders understand the terms, but not the strategy behind them
Representatives know the process, but struggle with negotiation dynamics
Teams are aligned on language, but not on position, risk or decision-making authority
That’s where structured capability building becomes essential.
What’s inside the glossary
This resource provides clear, plain-English definitions of key terms, including:
Bargaining fundamentals (e.g. claims, bargaining representatives, enterprise agreements)
Legal and compliance concepts (e.g. BOOT, good faith bargaining, access period)
Negotiation language (e.g. BATNA, counter claims, settlement range)
Practical tools (e.g. log of claims, communication plans)
It is designed to be used before and during bargaining as a reference point for teams.
Access your free Enterprise Bargaining Glossary
Take the next step: Build real capability
If this glossary has highlighted how complex enterprise bargaining can be — you’re not alone.
Our Effective Enterprise Bargaining Representative Workshop is designed to go beyond definitions and build the practical capability leaders and representatives need to succeed.
In this workshop, you’ll learn how to:
Develop a clear bargaining strategy aligned to organisational priorities
Navigate claims, counter claims and negotiation dynamics with confidence
Understand legal obligations under the Fair Work Act — in practice
Manage risk, stakeholder expectations and communication effectively
Participate in bargaining in a way that is credible, constructive and outcome-focused
Who this is for
APS and public sector leaders
HR and workplace relations practitioners
Employee and employer bargaining representatives
Executives responsible for bargaining strategy
Upcoming workshop dates
📅 14 April 2026 – Sold out
📅 14 July 2026 – Now open
Secure your place
Why Humanify HR
Humanify HR, based in Canberra and working with organisations across Australia, is a trusted partner in navigating enterprise bargaining, workplace relations and complex HR matters.
We don’t just teach theory — we bring real-world bargaining experience, supporting organisations through some of their most critical negotiations.
Not ready to register?
Start with the glossary, and when you’re ready, we’ll help you build the capability to match.