How does an Australian Workplace Agreement differ from an award?

An Australian Workplace Agreement differs from an award primarily because it has the ability to override an existing award. This means that the terms and conditions set out in a workplace agreement can take precedence over those outlined in an award which may cover various workplace standards such as pay, hours, and conditions of employment.

Workplace agreements are often tailored to the needs of the specific workplace or employee, allowing for greater flexibility in negotiations regarding wages and work conditions compared to the more standardized and collective approach seen in awards. This characteristic of being able to supersede awards is significant because it allows businesses to structure agreements that can better fit their operational requirements or work culture.

In contrast, a verbal agreement does not provide a legally binding framework like that of a written workplace agreement. While company policies can be included in workplace agreements, they are not a defining characteristic that distinguishes them from awards. Additionally, the notion that agreements are always worse than awards is not accurate, as agreements can be negotiated to provide better conditions than those outlined in an award. Thus, the ability of a workplace agreement to override an existing award is a key aspect in understanding the differences between the two.