Participation, equity and outcomes: enterprise bargaining in three female-dominated workplaces in Newcastle

Equity aspects of enterprise bargaining are examined through an analysis of case studies in three female-dominated workplaces in Newcastle, New South Wales. The extent to which female employees participated in the bargaining process, the extent to which outcomes differed from national standards and enterprise bargaining outcomes in male-dominated workplaces, and the extent to which female work issues such as training, flexible working arrangements and parental leave arrangements where addressed, are analysed. The findings, though not uniform, highlight the general exclusion of female employees from the process of bargaining, relatively favourable wage outcomes in terms of industry norms, yet an apparent decline in real wages, and a general neglect of the employment aspirations of women.