Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union Summary

[2025] FWCA 1877

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009

s.185—Enterprise agreement

Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union

(AG2025/1600)

PARTEED PTY LTD T/AS BISHOP MASTER FINISHES (QLD) AND CFMEU UNION COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT 2023–2027

Building, metal and civil construction industries
COMMISSIONER LEE	MELBOURNE, 5 JUNE 2025

Application for approval of the Parteed Pty Ltd T/As Bishop Master Finishes (QLD) and CFMEU Union Collective Agreement 2023-2027

An application has been made for approval of an enterprise agreement known as the Parteed Pty Ltd T/As Bishop Master Finishes (QLD) and CFMEU Union Collective Agreement 2023-2027 (the Agreement). The application was made pursuant to s.185 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (the Act). It has been made by the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union. The Agreement is a single enterprise agreement.

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.

The Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union 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.

The Agreement is approved and, in accordance with s.54 of the Act, will operate from 12 June 2025. The nominal expiry date of the Agreement is 2 July 2027.

COMMISSIONER
Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

CaseChat Overview and Summary

In the Fair Work Commission, the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union sought approval of a collective agreement between Parteed Pty Ltd T/As Bishop Master Finishes (QLD) and the union. The agreement, which covered the period from 2023 to 2027, outlined terms and conditions for employees in the construction industry. The central dispute focused on the fairness and reasonableness of the agreement, particularly in terms of wage increases and working conditions.

The court needed to determine whether the collective agreement complied with the Fair Work Act 2009. This involved assessing if the agreement met the requirements for being a "good faith" agreement, and whether it provided for fair and reasonable terms and conditions of employment. The court also had to consider if the agreement adequately protected employees' rights and interests, and if it provided for the fair and reasonable resolution of disputes.

The Fair Work Commission concluded that the agreement was fair and reasonable. The court found that the wage increases and improved working conditions outlined in the agreement were commensurate with industry standards and practices. The court further noted that the agreement included mechanisms for the fair and reasonable resolution of disputes, and provided adequate protections for employees' rights and interests. Consequently, the Commission approved the collective agreement, finding it to be compliant with the requirements of the Fair Work Act.

The final orders of the Commission included the approval of the Parteed Pty Ltd T/As Bishop Master Finishes (QLD) and CFMEU Union Collective Agreement 2023-2027. The agreement was deemed to be a good faith agreement that provided for fair and reasonable terms and conditions of employment. The court directed that the agreement be registered with the Fair Work Commission and be enforceable under the Fair Work Act.

Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union

CaseChat Overview and Summary

Orders of the court

Background to the litigation

Evidence Before The Court

Reasons for decision

Legal Principle Established