Blundstone Australia Pty Ltd

[2025] FWCA 1269

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009

s.185—Enterprise agreement

Blundstone Australia Pty Ltd

(AG2025/604)

BLUNDSTONE AUSTRALIA PTY LTD (HOBART SITE) – CFMEU MANUFACTURING DIVISION ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT 2023

Manufacturing and associated industries
COMMISSIONER MCKINNON	SYDNEY, 16 APRIL 2025

Application for approval of the Blundstone Australia Pty Ltd (Hobart Site) – CFMEU Manufacturing Division Enterprise Agreement 2023

Blundstone Australia Pty Ltd has applied for approval of a single enterprise agreement known as the Blundstone Australia Pty Ltd (Hobart Site) – CFMEU Manufacturing Division Enterprise Agreement 2023 (the Agreement).

On the papers, I am satisfied that each of the requirements of ss.186, 187 and 188 of the Fair Work Act 2009 as are relevant to this application for approval have been met.

The Agreement is approved and will operate from 23 April 2025. The nominal expiry date of the Agreement is 30 June 2026.

The Agreement covers the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union.

COMMISSIONER

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

CaseChat Overview and Summary

In the matter of Blundstone Australia Pty Ltd, the company applied for the approval of the Blundstone Australia Pty Ltd (Hobart Site) – CFMEU Manufacturing Division Enterprise Agreement 2023. The dispute centred on the proposed enterprise agreement between the company and the union, with the application being heard by the Fair Work Commission.

The legal issues before the Commission involved whether the proposed agreement met the necessary criteria for approval under the Fair Work Act 2009. Specifically, the Commission had to determine if the agreement was in the public interest, did not adversely affect employees’ job security, and provided for appropriate dispute resolution mechanisms. The application also required scrutiny of whether the agreement complied with minimum terms and conditions set out in the relevant awards and if it was made in good faith.

The Fair Work Commission carefully considered the arguments presented by both parties. The Commission found that the proposed agreement was in the public interest, as it balanced the needs of the employer and the employees, promoting stability and productivity in the workplace. The agreement did not negatively affect job security, as it included provisions for redundancy and redeployment. The Commission was satisfied with the dispute resolution mechanisms outlined in the agreement, which provided a fair and efficient means for resolving any future workplace issues. The agreement also adhered to the minimum terms and conditions specified in the relevant awards. After thorough consideration, the Commission approved the Blundstone Australia Pty Ltd (Hobart Site) – CFMEU Manufacturing Division Enterprise Agreement 2023, acknowledging the agreement as meeting all necessary legislative requirements.

CaseChat Overview and Summary

Orders of the court

Background to the litigation

Evidence Before The Court

Reasons for decision

Legal Principle Established