The Australian Productivity Commission (PC) has warned that customers across the country could bear the brunt if the federal government does not correctly handle industrial relations reforms.
In its five-year productivity inquiry report, the PC said well-crafted changes to multisector bargaining and other industrial relations reforms could facilitate cooperation between small firms and allow them to secure higher wages for employees.
However, the commission said this outcome would depend on the design features of the reforms.
The report came after the federal government hinted at new changes to multi-employer bargaining regulations, which could allow workers in small businesses to band together under similar workplace conditions, following the jobs and skills summit in September….