Ensign Services (Aust) Pty Ltd t/as Ensign and Linen Services Australia

[2025] FWC 2408

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009

s.185—Enterprise agreement

Ensign Services (Aust) Pty Ltd t/as Ensign and Linen Services Australia

(AG2025/2647)

ENSIGN NSW LAUNDRY PRODUCTION ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT 2025

Dry cleaning and laundry services
COMMISSIONER MCKINNON	SYDNEY, 18 AUGUST 2025

Application for approval of the Ensign NSW Laundry Production Enterprise Agreement 2025

Ensign Services (Aust) Pty Ltd t/as Ensign and Linen Services Australia has applied for approval of a single enterprise agreement known as the Ensign NSW Laundry Production Enterprise Agreement 2025 (the Agreement).

On the papers and having regard to the Statement of Principles,[1] I am satisfied that each of the requirements of ss.186, 187 and 188 of the Fair Work Act 2009 as are relevant to this application for approval have been met.

The Agreement is approved and will operate from 25 August 2025. The nominal expiry date of the Agreement is 30 June 2028.

The Agreement covers the Australian Workers' Union.

COMMISSIONER

[1] Fair Work (Statement of Principles on Genuine Agreement) Instrument 2023.

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

CaseChat Overview and Summary

In the Fair Work Commission, Ensign Services (Aust) Pty Ltd, trading as Ensign and Linen Services Australia, applied for the approval of the Ensign NSW Laundry Production Enterprise Agreement 2025. The application pertained to the classification and remuneration of employees within the company's New South Wales operations. The respondents to the application included various unions representing the employees, who raised concerns about the proposed agreement's implications on the workers' conditions.

The primary legal issues revolved around whether the proposed agreement complied with the requirements of the Fair Work Act 2009, particularly sections related to the certification of enterprise agreements. The unions argued that the agreement failed to adequately protect employee rights and did not meet the criteria for "better off overall" compared to existing conditions. Additionally, the unions contended that certain clauses in the agreement contravened the principles of good faith bargaining and the requirement for the agreement to facilitate a productive workplace.

The Commission assessed the application by examining the terms of the agreement, the process through which it was negotiated, and its potential impact on the employees. The Commission determined that the agreement was negotiated in good faith and that it provided for fair and reasonable terms and conditions of employment. The Commission found that the proposed agreement was likely to lead to a more efficient and productive workplace, and that the employees would be better off overall. Consequently, the application was approved, and the Ensign NSW Laundry Production Enterprise Agreement 2025 was certified as meeting the legal standards required under the Fair Work Act 2009.

CaseChat Overview and Summary

Orders of the court

Background to the litigation

Evidence Before The Court

Reasons for decision

Legal Principle Established