Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia

[2024] FWCA 4191

[2024] FWCA 4191

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009

s.185—Enterprise agreement

Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia

(AG2024/4602)

APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF THE HUTCHISON FIRE PTY LTD AND CEPU PLUMBING DIVISION FIRE SERVICES UNION COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT 2023 - 2026

Fire fighting services and plumbing industry
COMMISSIONER JOHNS	MELBOURNE, 28 NOVEMBER 2024

Application for approval of the Hutchison Fire Pty Ltd and CEPU Plumbing Division Fire Services Union Collective Agreement 2023 -2026

1. An application has been made for approval of an enterprise agreement known as the Hutchison Fire Pty Ltd and CEPU Plumbing Division Fire Services Union Collective Agreement 2023 - 2026 (the Agreement). The application was made pursuant to s.185 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (the Act). It has been made by Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia. The Agreement is a single enterprise agreement.

1. 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.

1. An assessment of the Agreement has identified three clauses that may be inconsistent with the National Employment Standards (NES).  In particular, the terms relating to:

a)Clause 50.2: Long service leave;

b)Clause 47.1.2: Personal/carer’s leave; and

c)Clause 45.2: Public holidays.

1. Therefore, employees should give careful consideration to the NES and not assume that the Agreement is the totality of their rights, especially in relation to the subject matters contained in the clause referred to above.

1. Noting the NES precedence clause (Clause 5.3), to the extent that any clause in the Agreement is inconsistent with the NES, it is not an impediment to the approval of the Agreement.

1. The Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia 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) I note that the Agreement covers the organisation.

1. The Agreement is approved and, in accordance with s.54 of the Act, will operate from 5 December 2024. The nominal expiry date of the Agreement is 31 October 2026.

COMMISSIONER

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