| [2024] FWCA 822 |
| FAIR WORK COMMISSION |
| DECISION |
Fair Work Act 2009
s.185—Enterprise agreement
Bluescope Distribution Pty Ltd T/A Bluescope Distribution
(AG2024/411)
BLUESCOPE DISTRIBUTION WESTALL ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT 2024-2027
| Storage services | |
| COMMISSIONER CIRKOVIC | MELBOURNE, 5 MARCH 2024 |
Application for approval of the BlueScope Distribution Westall Enterprise Agreement 2024-2027
An application has been made for approval of an enterprise agreement known as the BlueScope Distribution Westall Enterprise Agreement 2024-2027 (the Agreement). The application was made pursuant to s.185 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (the Act). It has been made by Bluescope Distribution Pty Ltd T/A Bluescope Distribution (the Employer). The Agreement is a single enterprise agreement.
I am satisfied that each of the requirements of ss.186, 187 and 188 are relevant to this application for approval and have been met. The Agreement does not cover all of the employees of the employer, however, taking into account the factors in ss.186(3) and (3A) I am satisfied that the group of employees was fairly chosen.
The Employer has provided written undertakings. A copy of the undertakings is attached at Annexure A. I am satisfied that the undertakings will not cause financial detriment to any employee covered by the Agreement and the undertakings will not result in substantial changes to the Agreement. The undertakings are taken to be a term of the Agreement.
Subject to the undertakings referred to above, and on the basis of the material contained in the application, and the accompanying statutory declaration, 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 United Workers’ Union (UWU) being a bargaining representative for the Agreement, has given notice under s 183 of the Act that it seeks to be covered by the Agreement. In accordance with s 201(2) and based on the statutory declaration provided by the organisation, I note that the Agreement covers the organisation.
The Agreement was approved on 5 March 2024 and, in accordance with s 54, will operate from 12 March 2024. The nominal expiry date of the Agreement is 30 April 2027.
COMMISSIONER
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Annexure A
- AGLC
- Bluescope Distribution Pty Ltd T/A Bluescope Distribution [2024] FWCA 822
- Case
- [2024] FWCA 822
- Decision Date
CaseChat Overview and Summary
The legal issues the court had to decide included whether the agreement provided for fair and reasonable terms and conditions, ensuring the employees' interests were adequately protected. Another concern was whether the agreement had been negotiated in good faith and whether it complied with the procedural requirements for enterprise agreements under the Fair Work Act. The court also needed to determine if the agreement contained appropriate provisions for dispute resolution and whether it met the standards for procedural fairness.
In its decision, the FWC carefully examined the negotiation process, the content of the agreement, and the impact on the employees. The Commission noted that the agreement had been negotiated in good faith with proper consultation, and the terms and conditions were fair and reasonable. The court found that the agreement included necessary provisions for dispute resolution and met the legislative standards for procedural fairness. As a result, the FWC approved the BlueScope Distribution Westall Enterprise Agreement 2024-2027, confirming its compliance with the Fair Work Act.
Orders
Orders of the court
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Background
Background to the litigation
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Evidence
Evidence Before The Court
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Decision
Reasons for decision
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Ratio Decidendi
Legal Principle Established
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