Americold Logistics Limited T/A Americold Logistics

[2021] FWCA 6016

[2021] FWCA 6016

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009
s.185—Enterprise agreement

Americold Logistics Limited T/A Americold Logistics
(AG2021/6949)

AMERICOLD QUEENSLAND- ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT 2021

Storage services
DEPUTY PRESIDENT ASBURY	BRISBANE, 27 SEPTEMBER 2021

Application for approval of the Americold Queensland- Enterprise Agreement 2021

[1] Americold Logistics Limited T/A Americold Logistics applies to the Fair Work Commission (the Commission) for approval of an enterprise agreement known as the Americold Queensland- Enterprise Agreement 2021 (the Agreement). The application was made pursuant to s.185 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (the Act). The Agreement is a single enterprise agreement.

[2] Undertakings were provided by the Employer in response to concerns the Commission held in relation to the operation of certain clauses and whether the Agreement passes the better off overall test. A copy of the Undertakings is attached as Annexure A to this decision. I am satisfied that the effect of accepting the Undertakings is not likely to:

(a) cause financial detriment to any employee covered by the Agreement; or

(b) result in substantial changes to the Agreement.

[3] The views of each person or organisation the Commission knows is a bargaining representative for the Agreement have been sought in relation to the Undertakings. Pursuant to subsection 190(3) of the Act, I accept the Undertakings. In accordance with s.201(3) of the Act, a copy of the undertakings will be attached to the Agreement and forms part of the Agreement.

[4] I observe that the following clauses may be inconsistent with the National Employment Standards (NES):

•  Clause 2.2.7 - Authorised Deduction by the Employer for any notice not worked;

•  Clause 2.3.6 - Redundancy Pay; and

•  Clause A4.3.1 - Casual Employee to Elect Conversion after 12 months employment.

[5] I note clause 1.3.4 of the Agreement provides that where there is an inconsistency between a provision of the Agreement and the NES, and the NES provides a greater benefit, the NES provision will apply to the extent of the inconsistency. On this basis, I am satisfied the more beneficial entitlements of the NES will prevail where there is an inconsistency between the Agreement and the NES. I also note that by virtue of s. 55 of the Act, an enterprise agreement must not exclude the NES or any provisions of the NES and s. 56 provides that a term of an enterprise agreement has no effect to the extent that it contravenes s. 55.

[6] I am satisfied, on the basis of information set out in the Form F16 Application for approval of an enterprise agreement, the Form F17 Employer’s declaration in support of an application for approval of the Agreement and responses to requests for further information provided by the Applicant, that each of the requirements of ss. l86, 187 and 188 as are relevant to this application for approval have been met. The Agreement does not cover all of the employees of the employer, however, taking into account s.186(3) and (3A), and on the basis of the information contained in the Form F17, I am satisfied that the group of employees covered by the Agreement was fairly chosen.

[7] The United Workers’ Union and the Australian Workers’ Union being bargaining representatives for the Agreement, have given notice under s.183 of the Act that it wants the Agreement to cover them. In accordance with s.201(2) of the Act, and based on the declarations provided by these organisations, I note that the Agreement covers these organisations.

[8] The Agreement is approved in accordance with s.54 of the Act and will operate from 4 October 2021. The nominal expiry date of the Agreement is 1 February 2024.

DEPUTY PRESIDENT

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

<AE513272  PR734336>

Annexure A