Is it time for Labor to challenge the hands-off approach to industrial relations | Greg Jericho

If employer groups seem happier with the enterprise bargaining system than unions, maybe a shift in policy is needed

• Greg Jericho is a Guardian Australia columnist

Record low wages growth has led the ALP and unions to believe that voters are willing for governments to take a more hands-on approach than has been the case since the Keating government introduced enterprise bargaining in the early 1990s. And, somewhat ironically, the very system of enterprise bargaining looks set to become a major political battleground.

Last week, as the latest release of the wage price index showed another record low in wages growth, the Department of Employment figures on enterprise bargaining agreements (EBAs) showed much the same.

Related: Why workers are losing their share of Australia's national income | Greg Jericho