| [2023] FWCA 952 |
| FAIR WORK COMMISSION |
| DECISION |
Fair Work Act 2009
s.185—Enterprise agreement
Epiroc Australia Pty Ltd
(AG2023/560)
EPIROC BURNIE SERVICE CENTRE ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT 2023
| Manufacturing and associated industries | |
| COMMISSIONER HUNT | BRISBANE, 30 MARCH 2023 |
Application for approval of the Epiroc Burnie Service Centre Enterprise Agreement 2023
Epiroc Australia Pty Ltd (the Employer) has applied for approval of an enterprise agreement known as the Epiroc Burnie Service Centre Enterprise Agreement 2023 (the Agreement). The application was made pursuant to s.185 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (the Act). The Agreement is a single-enterprise agreement.
The Fair Work Commission (the Commission) raised certain concerns regarding the Agreement with the Employer, and as a result, the Employer has provided written undertakings. A copy of the undertakings is attached at Annexure A. Pursuant to s.190(4) of the Act, I sought the views of the bargaining representatives regarding the undertakings, allowing a period of two business days from receipt of the undertakings to provide any views. No views were provided.
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. Pursuant to s.190 of the Act, I accept the undertakings. In accordance with s.201(3) of the Act, I note that the undertakings are taken to be a term of the Agreement.
I have taken into consideration the material filed in the Commission. Subject to the undertakings referred to above, I am satisfied that each of the requirements of ss.186, 187, 188 and 190 as are relevant to this application for approval have been met. The Agreement does not cover all of the employees of the employer, however, taking into account s.186(3) and (3A) I am satisfied that the group of employees was fairly chosen.
The “Automotive, Food, Metals, Engineering, Printing and Kindred Industries Union” known as the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) being a bargaining representative for the Agreement has given notice under s.183 of the Act that it wants the Agreement to cover it. In accordance with s.201(2) of the Act I note that the Agreement covers the AMWU.
The Agreement is approved and, in accordance with s.54 of the Act, will operate from 6 April 2023. The nominal expiry date of the Agreement is 30 March 2026.
COMMISSIONER
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Annexure A – Undertakings
- AGLC
- Epiroc Australia Pty Ltd [2023] FWCA 952
- Case
- [2023] FWCA 952
- Decision Date
CaseChat Overview and Summary
The central legal issue was whether the agreement complied with the statutory requirements of section 230 of the Fair Work Act. This involved verifying that the agreement included all the prescribed minimum terms and conditions and that it had been negotiated in good faith. A key concern was whether the agreement adequately protected employees' rights and interests, particularly in relation to minimum wages and penalty rates.
The Commission concluded that the agreement was compliant with the statutory requirements. It found that all necessary terms and conditions were included and that the negotiation process had been conducted in good faith. The Commission took into account the evidence provided by both parties and the overall fairness of the agreement for employees. As a result, the Commission approved the agreement.
The Fair Work Commission approved the Epiroc Burnie Service Centre Enterprise Agreement 2023, finding it to be in compliance with the Fair Work Act. The decision confirmed that the agreement contained all prescribed minimum terms and conditions and was the product of good faith negotiations. This approval enables the agreement to legally bind both parties, ensuring that employees' rights and interests are protected under the new terms.
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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