| [2021] FWCA 363 |
| FAIR WORK COMMISSION |
DECISION |
Fair Work Act 2009
s.185 - Application for approval of a single-enterprise agreement
Baiada Poultry Pty Ltd T/A Baiada Poultry Pty Ltd
(AG2020/3894)
BAIADA POULTRY PTY LTD TAMWORTH PLANT (PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION EMPLOYEES) ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT 2020 - 2024
Poultry processing | |
COMMISSIONER CIRKOVIC | MELBOURNE, 25 JANUARY 2021 |
Application for approval of the Baiada Poultry Ply Ltd Tamworth Plant (Production and Distribution Employees) Enterprise Agreement 2020 - 2024.
[1] An application has been made for approval of an enterprise agreement known as the Baiada Poultry Pty Ltd Tamworth Plant (Production and Distribution Employees) Enterprise Agreement 2020 - 2024 (the Agreement). The application was made pursuant to s.185 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (the Act). It has been made by Baiada Poultry Pty Ltd T/A Baiada Poultry Pty Ltd. The Agreement is a single enterprise agreement.
[2] The employer has provided written undertakings. A copy of the undertakings is attached in Annexure A. 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.
[3] On the basis of the material contained in the application and accompanying declaration, I am satisfied that each of the requirements of ss 186, 187 and 188 as are relevant to this application for approval have been met.
[4] The Australasian Meat Industry Employees Union and the Australian Workers’ Union, being bargaining representatives for the Agreement, have given notice under s.183 of the Act that each wants the Agreement to cover it. In accordance with s.201(2) I note that the Agreement covers these organisations.
[5] I observe that the following provisions are likely to be inconsistent with the National Employment Standards (NES):
• 14.4.6;
• 23.1.4(a);
• 24.2.1; and
• 27.8.1.
[6] However, noting clause 4.3 of the Agreement, I am satisfied that the beneficial entitlements of the NES will prevail where there is an inconsistency between the Agreement and the NES.
[7] I note that clause 3 of the Agreement states that the date of commencement shall be from the first full pay period commencing on or after the date seven days from the date of approval which differs from the requirements of s.54(1) of the Act.
[8] The Agreement was approved on 25 January 2021 and, in accordance with s.54, will operate from 7 days from the date of approval of the Agreement, being 1 February 2021. The nominal expiry date of the Agreement is 13 October 2024.
COMMISSIONER
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ANNEXURE A
- AGLC
- Baiada Poultry Pty Ltd T/A Baiada Poultry Pty Ltd [2021] FWCA 363
- Case
- [2021] FWCA 363
- Decision Date
CaseChat Overview and Summary
The legal issues before the FWC involved the interpretation and application of the Fair Work Act 2009, particularly sections 228 and 230, which pertain to the approval of enterprise agreements and the minimum entitlements that must be met. The Commission had to determine if the agreement contained all the mandated minimum terms and conditions, and if the process by which the agreement was negotiated and agreed upon was fair and just. Additionally, the FWC needed to consider whether the agreement adequately protected the interests of the employees, and whether it complied with the procedural requirements under the Fair Work Regulations 2009.
The FWC concluded that the Baiada Poultry Pty Ltd Tamworth Plant (Production and Distribution Employees) Enterprise Agreement 2020 - 2024 met the necessary requirements under the Fair Work Act 2009. The Commission found that the agreement provided for all the mandated minimum terms and conditions, and that it was negotiated in good faith and in a manner that was procedurally fair. The FWC was satisfied that the agreement adequately protected the interests of the employees and that it complied with the procedural requirements under the Fair Work Regulations 2009. Consequently, the Commission approved the agreement, finding that it was in the best interests of the employees and the employer.
The FWC ordered that the Baiada Poultry Pty Ltd Tamworth Plant (Production and Distribution Employees) Enterprise Agreement 2020 - 2024 be approved and registered with the Fair Work Commission. The agreement was to be effective from 1 January 2020 and would remain in force until 31 December 2024, unless terminated earlier in accordance with its provisions or by operation of law.
Orders
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Background
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