Most Australians are missing out on around $250 a week, and many don't realise it. The difference comes down to one decision: whether you negotiate your pay alone or together with your colleagues. When people bargain collectively, they win higher pay. The latest ABS figures show annual wage growth of 4.1% for workers on collective agreements, compared to 3% for those on individual agreements. Over the course of a career, this widening gap adds up to tens of thousands of dollars in lost income.