Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union Summary

[2025] FWCA 899

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009

s.185—Enterprise agreement

Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union

(AG2025/582)

BUILDUP INTERIOR PTY LTD / CFMEU COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT 2024-2027

Building, metal and civil construction industries
DEPUTY PRESIDENT COLMAN	MELBOURNE, 13 MARCH 2025

Application for approval of the Buildup Interior Pty Ltd / CFMEU Collective Agreement 2024-2027

The Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) has made an application for approval of an enterprise agreement known as the Buildup Interior Pty Ltd / CFMEU Collective Agreement 2024-2027 (the Agreement) pursuant to s 185 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (the Act). The Agreement is a single enterprise agreement.

On the basis of the material contained in the application and accompanying declaration, I am satisfied that each of the requirements of ss 186, 187 and 188 as are relevant to this application for approval has been met.

The CFMEU, being a bargaining representative for the Agreement, has given notice under s 183 of the Act that it wants the Agreement to cover it. As required by s 201(2), I note that the Agreement covers the CFMEU.

The Agreement was approved on 13 March 2025.

DEPUTY PRESIDENT
Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

CaseChat Overview and Summary

In the Fair Work Commission, the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union applied for approval of a collective agreement between Buildup Interior Pty Ltd and the union. The agreement, covering the period 2024 to 2027, outlines the terms and conditions of employment for employees in the interior decorating industry. The primary dispute revolved around the fairness and compliance of the proposed agreement with the Fair Work Act 2009.

The court was required to determine whether the agreement met the criteria for approval, including whether it provided for fair and reasonable terms and conditions, and whether it was free from any unlawful content. The court also needed to consider whether the agreement complied with the requirements for a modern award and whether it provided for appropriate mechanisms to resolve disputes between the parties.

The court found that the agreement contained terms that were fair and reasonable for the employees and employers, and did not include any unlawful content. The agreement provided for appropriate mechanisms to resolve disputes and was consistent with the requirements of a modern award. The court approved the agreement, noting that it provided for a fair and balanced approach to the employment relationship between the parties. The court's decision was based on a thorough analysis of the agreement and the evidence presented by both parties. The court's approval of the agreement provides certainty and stability for both the employees and employers covered by the agreement.

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