Western Australia’s building, construction and major resource employers are operating in one of the most complex industrial relations environments seen in more than a decade, according to CCIWA’s newly released winter edition of the Construction Services Quarterly Industry Report.
Produced by CCIWA’s Construction and Mining IR Services team, the quarterly report provides practical intelligence for contractors, project proponents and employers.
This winter edition identifies the expanding influence of unions through legislative reform, enterprise bargaining and project-level, right-of-entry activity as a key trend affecting employers.
The report explores recent federal workplace relations changes, including developments affecting procurement and enterprise bargaining, and examines how these reforms may influence contractors seeking access to government-funded projects, negotiating enterprise agreements or managing union engagement on site.
It also analyses significant Fair Work Commission and court decisions covering enterprise agreement content, labour hire arrangements, majority support determinations, industrial action and the use of artificial intelligence in legal proceedings.
Project wage rates and conditions remain a major focus, with the report comparing emerging Greenfields Agreement trends across major Pilbara, Perth metropolitan and South West projects. While some markets remain relatively stable, pressure is building as unions pursue stronger benchmark rates, common conditions and broader application of project agreement provisions.
“WA construction employers are facing a convergence of challenges, from legislative change and increased bargaining pressure through to workforce constraints and rising project delivery expectations,” she said.
“Understanding how these developments may affect projects, labour costs and industrial relations strategies is becoming increasingly important for businesses operating in the sector.”
The report also includes updates on union activity across WA, right-of-entry developments, protected action ballot trends, project wage movements, workplace safety issues and a dedicated economic outlook for the industry.
A key feature is the 15-month forward project calendar, providing visibility of confirmed construction projects across WA, including capital expenditure, workforce requirements and project timelines to help businesses plan ahead.
Subscribe to CCIWA’s Construction Industry Report for quarterly market insights, with access for up to three contacts in your business and direct support from our Construction and Mining IR Services consultants.
