ElectraNet Pty Ltd T/A ElectraNet

[2016] FWCA 6639

[2016] FWCA 6639

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009
s.185—Enterprise agreement

ElectraNet Pty Ltd T/A ElectraNet
(AG2016/5209)

ELECTRANET ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT 2016

Electrical power industry
DEPUTY PRESIDENT BARTEL	ADELAIDE, 14 SEPTEMBER 2016

Electranet Enterprise Agreement 2016.

[1]An application for approval of an enterprise agreement known as the ElectraNet Enterprise Agreement 2016 (the Agreement) has been made by ElectraNet Pty Ltd T/A ElectraNet (the employer). The application has been made pursuant to s.185 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (the Act) and is an application for a single-enterprise agreement.

[2] The Agreement does not contain a Consultation provision that reflects the requirements of ss.205(1)(a)(ii) and 205(1A) of the Act. This matter was discussed with the parties at a hearing on 13 September 2016 and I was satisfied that the model consultation term is required to be applied in this matter in accordance with s.205(2) of the Act. The Agreement was approved on that day and this decision reflects the terms of the approval as recorded on transcript.

[3] The model consultation term is taken to be a term of the Agreement. It is appended to this decision and to the Agreement as Schedule ‘A’.

[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 Australian Services Union, SA & NT Branch (the ASU), the Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists & Managers Australia (APESMA) and the Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia, SA Branch (the CEPU) being bargaining representatives for the Agreement, has each given notice under s.183 of the Act that it wants to be covered by the Agreement. As required by s.201(2) of the Act, I note that the Agreement covers the ASU, APESMA and the CEPU.

[6] The Agreement is approved. In accordance with s.54(1) of the Act, the Agreement will operate from 20 September 2016. The nominal expiry date of the Agreement is 30 June 2018.

DEPUTY PRESIDENT

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

<Price code J, AE421138  PR585444>

Schedule A

Schedule 2.3—Model consultation term

(regulation 2.09)

Model consultation term

(1) This term applies if the employer:

(a) has made a definite decision to introduce a major change to production, program, organisation, structure or technology in relation to its enterprise that is likely to have a significant effect on the employees; or

(b) proposes to introduce a change to the regular roster or ordinary hours of work of employees.

Major change

(2) For a major change referred to in paragraph (1)(a):

(a) the employer must notify the relevant employees of the decision to introduce the major change; and

(b) subclauses (3) to (9) apply.

(3) The relevant employees may appoint a representative for the purposes of the procedures in this term.

(4) If:

(a) a relevant employee appoints, or relevant employees appoint, a representative for the purposes of consultation; and

(b) the employee or employees advise the employer of the identity of the representative;

the employer must recognise the representative.

(5) As soon as practicable after making its decision, the employer must:

(a) discuss with the relevant employees:

(i) the introduction of the change; and

(ii) the effect the change is likely to have on the employees;

and

(iii) measures the employer is taking to avert or mitigate the adverse effect of the change on the employees; and

(b) for the purposes of the discussion—provide, in writing, to the relevant employees:

(i) all relevant information about the change including the nature of the change proposed; and

(ii) information about the expected effects of the change on the employees; and

(iii) any other matters likely to affect the employees.

(6) However, the employer is not required to disclose confidential or commercially sensitive information to the relevant employees.

(7) The employer must give prompt and genuine consideration to matters raised about the major change by the relevant employees.

(8) If a term in this agreement provides for a major change to production, program, organisation, structure or technology in relation to the enterprise of the employer, the requirements set out in paragraph (2)(a) and subclauses (3) and (5) are taken not to apply.

(9) In this term, a major change is likely to have a significant effect on employees if it results in:

(a) the termination of the employment of employees; or

(b) major change to the composition, operation or size of the employer’s workforce or to the skills required of employees; or

(c) the elimination or diminution of job opportunities (including opportunities for promotion or tenure); or

(d) the alteration of hours of work; or

(e) the need to retrain employees; or

(f) the need to relocate employees to another workplace; or

(g) the restructuring of jobs.

Change to regular roster or ordinary hours of work

(10) For a change referred to in paragraph (1)(b):

(a) the employer must notify the relevant employees of the proposed change; and

(b) subclauses (11) to (15) apply.

(11) The relevant employees may appoint a representative for the purposes of the procedures in this term.

(12) If:

(a) a relevant employee appoints, or relevant employees appoint, a representative for the purposes of consultation; and

(b) the employee or employees advise the employer of the identity of the representative;

the employer must recognise the representative.

(13) As soon as practicable after proposing to introduce the change, the employer must:

(a) discuss with the relevant employees the introduction of the change; and

(b) for the purposes of the discussion—provide to the relevant employees:

(i) all relevant information about the change, including the nature of the change; and

(ii) information about what the employer reasonably believes will be the effects of the change on the employees; and

(iii) information about any other matters that the employer reasonably believes are likely to affect the employees; and

(c) invite the relevant employees to give their views about the impact of the change (including any impact in relation to their family or caring responsibilities).

(14) However, the employer is not required to disclose confidential or commercially sensitive information to the relevant employees.

(15) The employer must give prompt and genuine consideration to matters raised about the change by the relevant employees.

(16) In this term:

relevant employees means the employees who may be affected by a change referred to in subclause (1).