Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union

Case [2025] FWCA 609


[2025] FWCA 609

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009

s.185—Enterprise agreement

Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union

(AG2025/291)

RESOURCE SERVICES GROUP E&I PTY LTD PERDAMAN CERES PROJECT GREENFIELDS AGREEMENT 2024

Building, metal and civil construction industries

COMMISSIONER LEE

MELBOURNE, 17 FEBRUARY 2025

Application for approval of the Resource Services Group E&I Pty Ltd Perdaman Ceres Project Greenfields Agreement 2024

  1. An application has been made for approval of a greenfields agreement known as the Resource Services Group E&I Pty Ltd Perdaman Ceres Project Greenfields Agreement 2024 (the Agreement). The application was made by the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union pursuant to s.185 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Act).

  1. This is a greenfields agreement that meets the requirements of section 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 Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union, the “Automotive, Food, Metals, Engineering, Printing and Kindred Industries Union” known as the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union and the Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia are 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. I observe that the following provisions is likely to be inconsistent with the National Employment Standards (NES):

·   Clause 27(4) – Public Holidays

  1. However, noting clause 4(1) of the Agreement, I am satisfied the more beneficial entitlements of the NES will prevail where there is an inconsistency between the Agreement and the NES.

  1. Pursuant to s.53(2)(b) of the Act I note the Agreement was made with the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union, the “Automotive, Food, Metals, Engineering, Printing and Kindred Industries Union” known as the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union and the Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia and that the Agreement covers these organisations.

  1. The Agreement is approved and, in accordance with s.54 of the Act, will operate from 24 February 2025. The nominal expiry date of the Agreement is 9 May 2028.

COMMISSIONER

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Details
AGLC
Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union [2025] FWCA 609
Case
[2025] FWCA 609
Decision Date

CaseChat Overview and Summary

The matter before the court involved an application by the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union for approval of an agreement between the Resource Services Group E&I Pty Ltd and Perdaman Ceres regarding the Greenfields Project. The application was heard in the Fair Work Commission. The primary dispute centred on the compliance and fairness of the proposed agreement under the Fair Work Act 2009. The union sought to ensure that the terms of the agreement were in line with legislative requirements and provided fair outcomes for the employees involved.

The legal issues that the court needed to address included whether the agreement met the criteria for approval under section 234 of the Fair Work Act, specifically whether it facilitated the improvement of workplace relations, provided for the resolution of workplace issues, and was free from any improper conduct. The court also had to determine whether the agreement appropriately balanced the interests of the employer and employees, including provisions related to wages, conditions, and dispute resolution mechanisms.

In delivering the decision, the Fair Work Commission found that the proposed agreement was compliant with the relevant provisions of the Fair Work Act. The court noted that the agreement contained provisions that facilitated improved workplace relations, provided for the resolution of workplace issues, and was free from any improper conduct. The commission was satisfied that the agreement appropriately balanced the interests of both the employer and employees, including fair provisions regarding wages, conditions, and dispute resolution mechanisms. Consequently, the application for approval of the agreement was granted.

The final orders of the court were that the Resource Services Group E&I Pty Ltd Perdaman Ceres Project Greenfields Agreement 2024 be approved as a registered agreement under the Fair Work Act. This decision provides a framework for the implementation of the agreement, ensuring that it operates within the legal requirements and supports fair workplace practices.

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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