Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union Summary

[2025] FWCA 3472

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009

s.185—Enterprise agreement

Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union

(AG2025/3340)

BISHOP FINISHES PTY LTD T/AS BISHOP MASTER FINISHES / CFMEU COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT 2024-2027

Building, metal and civil construction industries
COMMISSIONER LEE	MELBOURNE, 17 OCTOBER 2025

Application for approval of the Bishop Finishes Pty Ltd t/as Bishop Master Finishes / CFMEU Collective Agreement 2024-2027

An application has been made for approval of an enterprise agreement known as the Bishop Finishes Pty Ltd t/as Bishop Master Finishes / CFMEU Collective Agreement 2024-2027 (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 24 October 2025. The nominal expiry date of the Agreement is 4 July 2027.

COMMISSIONER

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

CaseChat Overview and Summary

The case involved an application for the approval of a collective agreement between Bishop Finishes Pty Ltd trading as Bishop Master Finishes and the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) for the period 2024-2027. The application was made to the Fair Work Commission under the Fair Work Act 2009, which empowers the Commission to approve, modify, or reject collective agreements if they deem it appropriate. The union and the employer had negotiated the terms of the agreement, and now sought the Commission's endorsement to ensure its enforceability and compliance with the Act's requirements.

The primary legal issue before the Commission was whether the collective agreement met the necessary standards and conditions set out in the Fair Work Act. This included assessing whether the agreement provided for fair and reasonable terms and conditions, and whether it complied with the principles of good faith bargaining and enterprise bargaining. The Commission had to consider the balance of power between the parties, the nature of the industry, and the economic context in which the agreement was made.

After careful consideration of the arguments presented by both the union and the employer, the Commission found that the collective agreement was fair and reasonable, and did not contravene any provisions of the Fair Work Act. The Commission noted that the agreement provided for a balanced set of terms and conditions, which took into account the needs and interests of both parties. Furthermore, the Commission was satisfied that the agreement was the product of genuine and meaningful negotiations, and that it complied with the principles of good faith bargaining and enterprise bargaining. The Commission approved the collective agreement for the period 2024-2027, and directed that it be registered with the Commission.

The Fair Work Commission approved the collective agreement between Bishop Finishes Pty Ltd trading as Bishop Master Finishes and the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union for the period 2024-2027. The Commission directed that the agreement be registered with the Commission, and that it be treated as a lawful and binding agreement between the parties. The decision provides a useful guide for employers and unions seeking to negotiate and finalise collective agreements in the future, and highlights the importance of ensuring that such agreements meet the necessary standards and conditions set out in 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