Ashgrove West Preschool Centre Inc.

[2023] FWCA 1328

[2023] FWCA 1328

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009

s.185 - Application for approval of a single-enterprise agreement

Ashgrove West Preschool Centre Inc.

(AG2023/905)

ASHGROVE WEST PRESCHOOL CENTRE INC COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT 2023

Educational services
COMMISSIONER HUNT	BRISBANE, 9 MAY 2023

Application for approval of the Ashgrove West Preschool Centre Inc Collective Agreement 2023

1. Ashgrove West Preschool Centre Inc. (the Employer) has applied for approval of an enterprise agreement known as the Ashgrove West Preschool Centre Inc Collective Agreement 2023 (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. 

1. The Fair Work Commission (the Commission) raised certain concerns regarding the Agreement with the Employer, and as a result, the Employer provided submissions and  written undertakings. A copy of the undertakings is attached at Annexture A. Pursuant to s.190(4) of the Act, I sought the views of the Independent Education Union of Australia (IEU) regarding the undertakings, allowing a period of two business days from receipt of the undertakings to provide any views. The IEU did not oppose the undertakings given by the Employer.

1. I am satisfied that the undertakings will not cause financial detriment to any employee covered by the Agreement and that the undertakings will not result in substantial changes to the Agreement.  Pursuant to s.190 of the Act, I accept the undertakings.  In accordance with s.201(3) of the Act, I note that the undertakings are taken to be a term of the Agreement.

1. I have taken into consideration the material filed in the Commission. Subject to the undertakings referred to above, I am satisfied that each of the requirements of ss.186, 187, 188 and 190 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) I am satisfied that the group of employees was fairly chosen.

1. The IEU being a bargaining representative for the Agreement has given notice under s.183 of the Act that it wants the Agreement to cover it.  In accordance with s.201(2) of the Act I note that the Agreement covers the IEU.

1. The Agreement is approved and, in accordance with s.54 of the Act, will operate from 16 May 2023.  The nominal expiry date of the Agreement is 31 December 2026.

COMMISSIONER

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Annexure A