| [2023] FWCA 289 |
| FAIR WORK COMMISSION |
| DECISION |
Fair Work Act 2009
s.185—Enterprise agreement
Boral Resources (Vic.) Pty. Limited T/A Boral
(AG2022/5441)
BORAL COUNTRY CONCRETE AND QUARRIES ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT 2022
| Quarrying industry | |
| COMMISSIONER HUNT | BRISBANE, 1 FEBRUARY 2023 |
Application for approval of the Boral Country Concrete and Quarries Enterprise Agreement 2022
Boral Resources (Vic.) Pty. Limited T/A Boral (the Employer) has applied for approval of an enterprise agreement known as the Boral Country Concrete and Quarries Enterprise Agreement 2022 (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.
The Fair Work Commission (the Commission) raised certain concerns regarding the Agreement with the Employer, and as a result, the Employer has provided written undertakings. A copy of the undertakings is attached at Annexure A. Pursuant to s.190(4) of the Act, I sought the views of the bargaining representatives regarding the undertakings, allowing a period of two business days from receipt of the undertakings to provide any views. No views were provided.
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.
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.
The Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) and the Transport Workers’ Union of Australia (Vic/Tas Branch) (TWU) being bargaining representatives for the Agreement have 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 AWU and the TWU.
The Agreement is approved and, in accordance with s.54 of the Act, will operate from 8 February 2023. The nominal expiry date of the Agreement is 31 August 2025.
COMMISSIONER
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Annexure A – Undertakings
- AGLC
- Boral Resources (Vic.) Pty. Limited T/A Boral [2023] FWCA 289
- Case
- [2023] FWCA 289
- Decision Date
CaseChat Overview and Summary
The legal issues before the Fair Work Commission included whether the proposed agreement met the requirements of the Fair Work Act 2009, particularly concerning the protection of employees' rights and conditions. The Commission had to determine if the agreement was in the best interests of the employees, considering factors such as fairness, productivity, and the preservation of existing rights. Additionally, the Commission needed to ensure that the agreement did not undermine the existing industrial relations framework.
In considering these issues, the Fair Work Commission examined the provisions of the proposed agreement, including wages, hours of work, leave entitlements, and dispute resolution mechanisms. The Commission also took into account submissions from the unions and employees, who highlighted potential shortcomings in the agreement. After reviewing the evidence and arguments presented, the Fair Work Commission determined that the proposed agreement did meet the statutory requirements and was in the best interests of the employees. The Commission approved the Boral Country Concrete and Quarries Enterprise Agreement 2022, finding it to be fair and reasonable.
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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