IR Strategy & Advice

Drayton’s can develop and implement employee relations and industrial relations management plans, including tailored tender strategies that align workforce arrangements with project delivery requirements and commercial objectives. Our approach ensures IR considerations are embedded early to minimise risk and support successful outcomes.

We also provides informed, practical advice on union engagement and relationship management, supporting constructive dialogue while protecting organisational interests. We assist clients in developing union strategies that balance compliance, operational flexibility, and workforce stability.

Additional services include:

• Developing whole-of-project industrial relations strategies aligned with delivery, cost, and risk objectives
• Drafting employee relations and IR management plans to support tenders, project mobilisation, and delivery
• Providing strategic advice on relationships, engagement, and negotiation approaches with unions
• Advising on right of entry, union access, and site protocols
• Managing industrial risk assessments and mitigation strategies for projects and tenders
• Supporting dispute prevention and resolution strategies, including managing industrial action risk
• Advising on subcontractor IR compliance and interface risks
• Assisting with industrial relations due diligence for acquisitions, joint ventures, and new projects
• Developing workforce consultation and communication strategies
• Supporting enterprise agreement negotiation strategies, including bargaining position development
• Supporting responses to Fair Work Commission matters and regulatory engagement (non-legal)
• Training managers and supervisors on IR strategy, union engagement, and dispute management
• Monitoring industry IR trends and advising on emerging risks and opportunities

With deep experience across complex and highly unionised environments, Drayton’s Consulting delivers clear, strategic IR advice that supports compliance, certainty, and business success