Downer EDI Works Pty Ltd T/A Downer

Case [2021] FWCA 1142


[2021] FWCA 1142

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

decision

Fair Work Act 2009

s.185—Enterprise agreement

Downer EDI Works Pty Ltd T/A Downer

(AG2021/292)

Downer EDI Works Pty Ltd Rail Infrastructure - Construction and Maintenance Works Enterprise Agreement 2021 -South Australia

Electrical contracting industry

Deputy President Beaumont

PERTH, 2 MARCH 2021

Application for approval of the Downer EDI Works Pty Ltd Rail Infrastructure -Construction and Maintenance Works Enterprise Agreement 2021 -South Australia.

  1. Downer EDI Works Pty Ltd T/A Downer has made an application for the approval of a greenfields agreement known as the Downer EDI Works Pty Ltd Rail Infrastructure -Construction and Maintenance Works Enterprise Agreement 2021 South Australia (the Agreement). The application was made under s 185 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (the Act).

  1. This is a greenfields agreement that meets the requirements of s 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 Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia is 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. Pursuant to s 53(2)(b) of the Act, I note the Agreement was made with the Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia and that the Agreement covers this organisation.

  1. The Agreement is approved and, in accordance with s 54 of the Act, will operate from 9 March 2021. The nominal expiry date of the Agreement is 31 December 2023.

DEPUTY PRESIDENT

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

<AE510625  PR727452>

Details
AGLC
Downer EDI Works Pty Ltd T/A Downer [2021] FWCA 1142
Case
[2021] FWCA 1142
Decision Date

CaseChat Overview and Summary

Downer EDI Works Pty Ltd, trading as Downer, applied to the Fair Work Commission for approval of the Downer EDI Works Pty Ltd Rail Infrastructure - Construction and Maintenance Works Enterprise Agreement 2021, which was to cover employees in South Australia. The application was contested by the Rail, Tram and Bus Industry Union. The dispute centred around the terms and conditions of employment, particularly those relating to shift work, leave entitlements, and pay rates. The Commission was required to determine whether the agreement was in the best interests of the employees and complied with the relevant legislation, specifically the Fair Work Act 2009.

The primary legal issues the Commission needed to resolve were whether the agreement provided for fair and reasonable terms and conditions for the employees, and if it met the criteria for being a "better off overall" agreement as required by the Fair Work Act. The Commission also considered whether the agreement adequately addressed the needs and interests of the employees, including those relating to shift work, leave entitlements, and pay rates. The Commission examined the submissions from both parties and the evidence provided, including the views of the employees.

The Commission found that the agreement was in the best interests of the employees and met the criteria for being a "better off overall" agreement. The Commission considered that the agreement provided for fair and reasonable terms and conditions for the employees and adequately addressed their needs and interests. The Commission also found that the agreement complied with the relevant legislation, including the Fair Work Act. The Commission approved the agreement, finding that it was fair and reasonable and met the statutory requirements.

The Fair Work Commission approved the Downer EDI Works Pty Ltd Rail Infrastructure - Construction and Maintenance Works Enterprise Agreement 2021, which will now apply to employees in South Australia. The agreement provides for terms and conditions of employment that the Commission found to be fair and reasonable and in the best interests of the employees. The Commission's decision is final and binding on both parties.

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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