Reframing EBA Negotiations: A Clearer Path Forward

19 July 2025: Jo Crabtree Founder and Lead Partner @ ClearPath Workplace Solutions

When people hear “EBA negotiations,” they often think of stereotypical conflict, competing agendas, and ever-evolving legislation. But at ClearPath Workplace Solutions, we believe there’s an alternative.

 ✨ Pathways that bring people together—creating certainty and trust for the road ahead.

Too often, EBA negotiations are associated with:

 • Tense stand-offs

 • Secret closed-door meetings

 • Delays to business delivery

 • Low employee morale

 • Lack of trust and confidence in leadership

 • Confusing, shifting legislation

But it doesn’t have to be that way. There are alternate pathways—and when done right, they unlock the real potential of enterprise bargaining.

🤝 When approached with curiosity, transparency, and collaboration, bargaining becomes a driver of:

 • Shared goals

 • Mutual respect

 • A clearer path forward for everyone

Whether you’re representing an organisation, a workforce, or both— the heart of successful bargaining lies in genuine connection.

It’s about:

 ✔ Building sustainable relationships

 ✔ Fostering certainty and trust

 ✔ Aligning the needs of people and business outcomes

Let’s change the narrative! With the right approach, EBAs are not just a legislative obligation— They’re an opportunity to lead, build trust, and strengthen genuine employee engagement.