| [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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pursuant to s.190(3) of the Act, I accept the undertakings.
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.
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.
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>
- 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 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
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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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