Workers in some low-paid industries could be given the right to bargain across whole sectors under a Labor government.
The opposition's workplace relations spokesman Brendan O'Connor addressed the National Press Club in Canberra on Wednesday ahead of the ALP's national conference next week.
"Labor acknowledges that the problem with wages is real, is complex and requires positive action from government," he said.
Indicating a Shorten government would in part back the Australian Council of Trade Unions' push, Mr O'Connor said sector-wide bargaining was being carefully considered.
"We are examining whether there is scope to enhance the role of multi-employer bargaining," he said.
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"Despite what the Morrison government may say, there is no evidence that multi-employer bargaining leads to increased industrial disputation, let alone the hysterical forecast of economic doom."
Big business and the coalition have warned the proposal could lead to whole sectors going on strike, predicting economic carnage in a 1970s-style industrial landscape.
But Mr O'Connor rejected that, saying multi-employer bargaining has not led to high levels of industrial action in countries where it is used.
Australian Industry Group chief executive Innes Willox said industry bargaining operated in countries without award systems.
"An industry bargaining system would be beneficial only for unions - not for employees, businesses or the broader community," Mr Willox said.
Mr O'Connor also took aim at Industrial Relations Minister Kelly O'Dwyer's decision to appoint six new members from employer backgrounds to the Fair Work Commission last week, taking the consecutive total to 20.
"We can't have a commission that's skewed, but that's not to say those commissioners won't exercise their powers properly," he said.
Increasing levels of Australian workers on award wages or worse and the rising trend of employees not on enterprise agreements are in Labor's crosshairs.
Mr O'Connor outlined Labor's policies to crack down on labour hire undermining pay and conditions of direct employees, introduce a new definition of "casual" and boost penalties for underpaying workers.
"Labor acknowledges that the problem with wages is real, complex and requires positive action from government," he said.
On penalty rates, which Labor have vowed to restore if elected, Mr O'Connor said it was unusual for his party not to accept a Fair Work ruling, but maintained the decision was unacceptable.
