What is an Australian Workplace Agreement?

An Australian Workplace Agreement (AWA) is a legally binding agreement between an employer and an employee that sets out the terms and conditions of employment for the employee. To be valid, an agreement must be in writing, signed by both the employer and the employee, and certified by the Fair Work Commission.

AWAs can be used to vary the terms of an employee’s award or enterprise agreement, but cannot reduce an employee’s entitlements below the national minimum wage or other minimum standards set out in the Fair Work Act.