AWAs are all about removing your ability to collectively negotiate. When you have the ability to collectively negotiate you will, by definition, be in a much stronger position at the negotiating table and therefore be able to negotiate a better outcome. I cannot believe that some people here believe the government hype that AWAs allow better pay and conditions. Using the WA mining industry as an example is a phurphy. To compare "apples with apples" you would have to say how much better off would WA mining industry workers be if they were able to collectively bargain, not simply compare them to other industries in other locations. The mining industry does not like the Labor IR position because it removes its ability to LOWER pay and conditions that Work Choices gives them.
AWAs are bad for workers in all market conditions, boom or bust, shortage of labour or glut.