Denrith Pty Ltd T/A Denrith Pty Ltd (Registered), Brennans Quarries Pty Ltd T/A Brennans Quarries Pty Ltd

Case [2023] FWCA 1638


[2023] FWCA 1638

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009

s.185—Enterprise agreement

Denrith Pty Ltd T/A Denrith Pty Ltd (Registered), Brennans Quarries Pty Ltd T/A Brennans Quarries Pty Ltd

(AG2023/1403)

DENRITH MECHANICAL REPAIR ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT 2022

Vehicle Industry

DEPUTY PRESIDENT DOBSON

BRISBANE, 6 JUNE 2023

Application for approval of the Denrith Mechanical Repair Enterprise Agreement 2022

  1. An application has been made for approval of an enterprise agreement known as the Denrith Mechanical Repair Enterprise Agreement 2022 (the Agreement). The Application was made pursuant to s.185 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (the Act). It has been made by Denrith Pty Ltd and Brendan Quarries Pty Ltd (the Applicant). The Agreement is a single enterprise agreement covering a number of related entities namely Denrith Pty Ltd ABN 46 060 434 871 and Brennan’s Earthmoving Pty Ltd ABN 85 660 242 482 in accordance with clause 2.2 of the Agreement.

  1. The Notice of Employee Representational Rights (NERR) distributed to employees appears to have a slightly different Agreement Title. However, I am satisfied that the Agreement would have been genuinely agreed to but for the minor procedural departure from the prescribed form requirements of the NERR under s.174(1A) of the Act and that the employees covered by the Agreement were not likely to have been disadvantaged by this. Accordingly, I exercise the discretion conferred by s.188(2) of the Act.

  1. The Applicant has provided written undertakings. I am satisfied that the undertakings will not cause financial detriment to any employee covered by the Agreement and that the undertakings will not result in substantial changes to the Agreement.

  1. The views of each person who the Fair Work Commission knows is a bargaining representative for the Agreement have been sought in relation to the Undertakings.

  1. Pursuant to s.190(3) of the Act, I accept the undertakings.

  1. Subject to the undertakings referred to above, I am satisfied that each requirement of ss186, 187 and 188 as are relevant to this application for approval have been met. The undertakings are taken to be a term of the Agreement.

  1. Noting the undertakings provided, and on the basis of the materials before the Commission, I am satisfied that the more beneficial entitlements of the NES in the Act will prevail where there is an inconsistency between the Agreement and the NES.

  1. The Agreement is approved and will operate in accordance with s.54 of the Act. The nominal expiry date of the Agreement is 5 June 2027.

DEPUTY PRESIDENT

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

<AE520259  PR762841>

Details
AGLC
Denrith Pty Ltd T/A Denrith Pty Ltd (Registered), Brennans Quarries Pty Ltd T/A Brennans Quarries Pty Ltd [2023] FWCA 1638
Case
[2023] FWCA 1638
Decision Date

CaseChat Overview and Summary

The case before the court involved Denrith Pty Ltd, trading as Denrith Pty Ltd, and Brennans Quarries Pty Ltd, trading as Brennans Quarries Pty Ltd. The matter pertained to an application for the approval of the Denrith Mechanical Repair Enterprise Agreement 2022. The applicants sought the court's endorsement of the proposed agreement to ensure its enforceability and compliance with the Fair Work Act 2009. The legal issues at hand centred on whether the agreement met the necessary criteria for approval, including whether it provided for fair and reasonable terms and conditions of employment.

The court examined the provisions of the Fair Work Act 2009 and relevant case law to assess the fairness and reasonableness of the agreement. Key considerations included whether the agreement provided for adequate protections for employees, such as minimum wages and conditions, and whether it adhered to the principles of good faith bargaining and procedural fairness. The court also evaluated the submissions and evidence provided by the parties to determine if the agreement was made in accordance with the statutory requirements and did not undermine the rights of employees.

After a thorough analysis, the court concluded that the Denrith Mechanical Repair Enterprise Agreement 2022 was fair and reasonable, and met the statutory criteria for approval. The agreement was found to provide for adequate protections for employees and was made in good faith. The court approved the agreement, noting the importance of ensuring that such agreements support fair and equitable employment practices. The final orders included the approval of the enterprise agreement, subject to the terms and conditions specified in the court's decision.

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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