When it comes to employment agreements in Australia, there are two main types of agreements that employers and employees need to be familiar with: enterprise agreements and modern awards.

An enterprise agreement is an agreement between an employer and a group of employees that sets out the terms and conditions of employment for those employees. These agreements are negotiated between the employer and the employees, or their representatives, and must be approved by the Fair Work Commission.

Enterprise agreements can cover a wide range of employment matters, including wages, working hours, leave entitlements, and dispute resolution procedures. They are typically used by larger employers or groups of employees who have specific needs or interests that are not adequately covered by a modern award.

On the other hand, modern awards are industry-specific minimum wage and condition standards that apply to most employees in that industry. These awards are created by the Fair Work Commission and are designed to outline the minimum entitlements that employers must provide to their employees.

Modern awards cover a range of industry sectors, including retail, hospitality, and healthcare, among others. They set out the minimum wage rates, penalty rates, and other entitlements that apply to employees in those industries.

Unlike enterprise agreements, modern awards cannot be negotiated between individual employers and employees. Instead, they are designed to apply to all employers and employees in a particular industry or occupation.

Overall, enterprise agreements and modern awards are both important tools for ensuring that employees are treated fairly and receive appropriate entitlements and working conditions. Employers and employees should be familiar with the relevant agreements and awards that apply to their industry to ensure that they are complying with their obligations under the law.