Application by The Australasian Meat Industry Employees Union

[2025] FWCFB 223

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009

s.158— Application to vary or revoke a modern award

Application by The Australasian Meat Industry Employees Union

(AM2021/57)

Meat Industry

DEPUTY PRESIDENT WRIGHT

COMMISSIONER PLATT
COMMISSIONER CRAWFORD

SYDNEY, 30 SEPTEMBER 2025

Application by Australasian Meat Industry Employees Union to vary Schedule A—Classification Definitions of the Meat Industry Award 2020—final determination issued.

On 3 September 2025, we issued a Decision[1] and expressed provisional views in respect of variations to the Meat Industry Award 2020.

A draft determination giving effect to the provisional views was published in conjunction with the Decision.

Any submissions opposing the provisional views were to be filed by 4:00 pm (AEST) on 24 September 2025. We stated in the decision that if no objections were filed in respect of the provisional views, then we would vary the award accordingly.

As at the date of this decision, no submissions have been received. Accordingly, we confirm the provisional views.

A final determination will be issued with this decision in the same terms proposed by the draft determination. The determination will come into operation on 14 October 2025.

DEPUTY PRESIDENT

[1] [2025] FWCFB 199.

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

CaseChat Overview and Summary

The Australasian Meat Industry Employees Union lodged an application with the Fair Work Commission seeking to vary the Meat Industry Award 2020. This application was made under section 158 of the Fair Work Act 2009, which allows for the variation or revocation of modern awards. The Union argued that certain classifications within the award should be amended to better reflect the roles and responsibilities of workers in the meat industry. The case was heard by Deputy President Wright, Commissioner Platt, and Commissioner Crawford at the Fair Work Commission in Sydney, with the final determination issued on 30 September 2025.

The primary legal issues before the Commission were whether the proposed variations to the award were consistent with the statutory objectives of the Fair Work Act and whether they would adequately protect the interests of employees in the meat industry. The Union argued that the current classifications did not accurately reflect the work done by employees and that changes were necessary to ensure fair and reasonable terms and conditions of employment. The Commission had to consider the submissions from the Union, the potential impact of the proposed changes on the industry and employees, and whether the changes were necessary to achieve fairness and efficiency in the workplace.

After reviewing the application and the submissions made, the Commission determined that the proposed variations to the award were appropriate. The Commission found that the current classifications did not adequately reflect the roles and responsibilities of employees, and that the changes proposed by the Union would better align with the statutory objectives of providing for fair and reasonable terms and conditions of employment. The Commission also noted that no objections were filed in response to the provisional views expressed in the earlier decision, indicating broad support for the proposed changes. Consequently, the Commission confirmed the provisional views and issued a final determination in the same terms as proposed in the draft determination. The changes will come into effect on 14 October 2025.

The final orders of the Commission include the variation of Schedule A—Classification Definitions of the Meat Industry Award 2020, in accordance with the draft determination published with the earlier decision. The determination will come into operation on 14 October 2025, providing updated classifications that better reflect the work performed by employees in the meat industry. This decision ensures that the award continues to meet the needs of both employers and employees, promoting fairness and efficiency in the workplace.

CaseChat Overview and Summary

Orders of the court

Background to the litigation

Evidence Before The Court

Reasons for decision

Legal Principle Established