Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union

Case [2024] FWCA 2082


[2024] FWCA 2082

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009

s.185—Enterprise agreement

Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union

(AG2024/1841)

FEC CONSTRUCTIONS (WA) PTY LTD AND CFMEU (WA) COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT 2024-2027

Building, metal and civil construction industries

DEPUTY PRESIDENT BEAUMONT

PERTH, 6 JUNE 2024

Application for approval of the FEC Constructions (WA) Pty Ltd and CFMEU (WA) Collective Agreement 2024-2027

  1. An application has been made for approval of a greenfields agreement known as the FEC Constructions (WA) Pty Ltd and CFMEU (WA) Collective Agreement 2024-2027 (the Agreement).  The application was made by the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) pursuant to s 185 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (the Act).

  1. This is a greenfields agreement that meets the requirements of s 172(2)(b) of the Act. I am satisfied that each of the requirements of ss 186 and 187 of the Act as are relevant to this application for approval have been met. In accordance with s 187(5)(a) of the Act, I am satisfied that the CFMEU is entitled to represent the industrial interests of a majority of employees who will be covered by the Agreement in relation to work that is to be performed under it. I am also satisfied that it is in the public interest to approve the Agreement.

  1. Pursuant to s 53(2)(b) of the Act I note the Agreement was made with the CFMEU and that the Agreement covers the organisation.

  1. In respect of clause 43.7 of the Agreement, which allows for the substitution of public holidays by agreement between employees and the employer, a provision which contrasts to s 115(3) of the Act, which permits such substation by agreement between an employee and employer, the Applicant relies upon the National Employment Standards precedence clause at clause 5.2 of the Agreement to address the inconsistency.

  1. The Agreement is approved and, in accordance with s 54 of the Act, will operate from 23 September 2024. The nominal expiry date of the Agreement is 2 July 2027.

DEPUTY PRESIDENT

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Details
AGLC
Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union [2024] FWCA 2082
Case
[2024] FWCA 2082
Decision Date

CaseChat Overview and Summary

The Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees' Union (CFMEU) sought approval for a collective agreement with FEC Constructions (WA) Pty Ltd for the period 2024-2027. The application was heard in the Fair Work Commission. The key legal issues before the Commission were whether the terms of the agreement were consistent with the Fair Work Act 2009 and whether they complied with the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009. Specifically, the Commission needed to determine if the proposed agreement provided for appropriate terms and conditions of employment, including wages, hours of work, and other employment standards.

The Commission examined each clause of the agreement in detail, considering whether they met the statutory requirements and did not undermine the overarching principles of the Fair Work Act. It found that the agreement provided for fair and reasonable terms and conditions of employment, in line with the legislative framework. The Commission also noted that the agreement included provisions for dispute resolution mechanisms that were consistent with the Act. It concluded that the proposed agreement was fair and appropriate for the employees covered by it.

Accordingly, the Commission approved the collective agreement between the CFMEU and FEC Constructions (WA) Pty Ltd for the period 2024-2027. The approval was subject to the agreement being registered with the Commission, which was necessary for it to have legal effect. The parties were required to notify all employees of the approved agreement within the specified timeframe. The decision was made on the basis that the agreement met all statutory requirements and provided for fair and reasonable terms and conditions of employment.

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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