Review of workplace relations

HOW THE AUSTRALIAN WORKPLACE SHAPES UP

* Bosses and workers mostly get on well

* Contrary to perceptions, workers are flexible by global standards

* Strikes are rare

* Employers are not put off by current wage levels

* Workers are missing out on flexible conditions because they don't know what's available

* Enterprise bargaining generally works well, but is not well-suited to small businesses

* Employers are finding it too easy to escape prosecution for sham contracts

* Migrant workers, especially illegal ones, are the most vulnerable to exploitation.

RECOMMENDATIONS

* Fair Work Commission's dual functions of wage regulation and tribunal should be split

* New body should be established to set awards, including minimum wages

* Workers could negotiate "enterprise contracts" to vary awards

* Same penalty rates for both Saturday and Sunday, in hospitality and retail sectors.

(Source: Productivity Commission's review into Australia's workplace relations framework)