The Bunnings agreement is a legal arrangement between Bunnings Group Limited and the Australian Workers` Union (AWU) that governs the working conditions, pay rates and other benefits of the employees of Bunnings hardware stores in Australia. The agreement was first signed in 2018 and is set to expire in 2021.

The Bunnings agreement is considered one of the most comprehensive and progressive enterprise agreements in Australia. It covers over 40,000 employees across more than 200 stores in the country and includes provisions for fair work practices, flexible working arrangements, provisions for gender pay equity, and other worker benefits.

Under the agreement, Bunnings employees receive a range of benefits, including flexible work arrangements, paid parental leave, and access to counseling services. The agreement also provides for wage increases every year, with many employees receiving pay rises up to 20% over the life of the agreement.

One of the most significant aspects of the Bunnings agreement is its provisions for gender pay equity. The agreement calls for regular reviews of pay rates to ensure that there is no gender pay gap among employees. This has been a major issue for many industries in Australia, with women often being paid less than their male counterparts for doing the same job.

The Bunnings agreement has also been praised for its provisions for fair work practices. Under the agreement, Bunnings employees are entitled to reasonable notice of changes to their shifts, as well as penalty rates for working on weekends and public holidays. This ensures that employees are fairly compensated for their work, and that their work-life balance is respected.

Overall, the Bunnings agreement is a prime example of how businesses can work collaboratively with their employees and unions to create fair and productive workplaces. By providing for fair work practices, flexible working arrangements, and provisions for gender pay equity, the agreement sets a high standard for other businesses to follow.

In summary, the Bunnings agreement is a progressive and comprehensive enterprise agreement that sets high standards for employee benefits, pay rates, and work-life balance. With its provisions for gender pay equity and fair work practices, the agreement serves as a positive example for businesses to follow in creating a productive and equitable workplace for their employees.