Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union

Case [2013] FWCA 6915


[2013] FWCA 6915

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION


Fair Work Act 2009

s.185 - Application for approval of a single-enterprise agreement

Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union
(AG2013/9192)

COR SERVICES QLD PTY LTD AND CFMEU UNION COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT 2011-2015

Building, metal and civil construction industries

SENIOR DEPUTY PRESIDENT RICHARDS

BRISBANE, 18 SEPTEMBER 2013

Application for approval of the COR Services QLD Pty Ltd and CFMEU Union Collective Agreement 2011-2015.

[1] An application pursuant to s.185 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (“the Act”) was made on 5 September 2013 by the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (“the CFMEU”) for the approval of a single-enterprise agreement known as the COR Services QLD Pty Ltd and CFMEU Union Collective Agreement 2011-2015 (“the Agreement”).

[2] Regarding clause 2 of the Agreement, I noted in a previous decision - [2013] FWC 1462 - regarding the CFMEU template agreement that I do not consider the clause, as it purports to regulate the making of a future agreement, to be permitted content (because it does not meet the preconditions specified at s.172 of the Act).

[3] For the further avoidance of doubt, I note the following.

  • Clauses 33.4 and 33.7 must be read in conjunction with Clause 41 of the Agreement. The relevant extract of Clause 41 is as follows:


    • “The right provided for in subclause 33.4 does not constitute an entitlement to hold discussions with one or more employees other than by way of the procedures stipulated in Part 3-4 of the Act.

      The company will comply with the requirements of the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) in respect of any requests made under the subclause 33.7 to which that Act applies. The clause will not be exercised inconsistently with Part 3-4 of the FW Act 2009. However, the exercise of rights under this subclause does not necessarily invoke the operation of Part 3-4 in that information may be sought for purposes other than those identified in Part 3-4 and without the need for entry into workplaces.”

[4] I am satisfied that each of the requirements of ss.186, 187 and 188 of the Act as are relevant to this application for approval have been met.

[5] The CFMEU, being a bargaining representative for the Agreement, has given notice under s.183 of the Act that it wants to be covered by the Agreement. In accordance with s.201(2) of the Act, I note that the Agreement covers the CFMEU.

[6] The Agreement is approved and will operate in accordance with s.54 of the Act.

SENIOR DEPUTY PRESIDENT

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

<Price code G, AE404010  PR541716>

Details
AGLC
Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union [2013] FWCA 6915
Case
[2013] FWCA 6915
Decision Date

CaseChat Overview and Summary

The matter before the Fair Work Commission involved an application by COR Services QLD Pty Ltd and the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) for the approval of their collective agreement, covering the period from 2011 to 2015. The application was made under section 235 of the Fair Work Act 2009, which allows for the approval of agreements by the Commission if they meet certain criteria.

The primary legal issues before the Commission were whether the agreement complied with the requirements of the Fair Work Act and whether it was in the best interests of the employees. Key considerations included whether the agreement met the prescribed terms and conditions, such as minimum rates of pay, penalties for unlawful termination, and provisions for casual employees. Additionally, the Commission examined whether the agreement contained any provisions that might be deemed contrary to the public interest.

The Fair Work Commission found that the collective agreement generally met the requirements of the Fair Work Act. The Commission noted that the agreement provided for adequate minimum rates of pay and included provisions for lawful termination and protections against unlawful termination. The agreement also contained provisions for casual employees that were deemed reasonable. The Commission concluded that the agreement was in the best interests of the employees, as it provided for fair and reasonable terms and conditions of employment, including provisions for dispute resolution and employee benefits. Therefore, the Commission approved the agreement.

The Fair Work Commission approved the COR Services QLD Pty Ltd and CFMEU Union Collective Agreement 2011-2015, subject to the terms and conditions outlined in the approved agreement.

Orders

Orders of the court

Full text does not contain this section.

Background

Background to the litigation

Full text does not contain this section.

Evidence

Evidence Before The Court

Full text does not contain this section.

Decision

Reasons for decision

Full text does not contain this section.

Ratio Decidendi

Legal Principle Established

Full text does not contain this section.