| [2025] FWCA 1627 |
| FAIR WORK COMMISSION |
| DECISION |
Fair Work Act 2009
s.185 - Application for approval of a single-enterprise agreement
Eurofins Environment Testing Australia Pty Ltd
(AG2025/1303)
EUROFINS ENVIRONMENT TESTING AUSTRALIA AGREEMENT 2024-2027
| Manufacturing and associated industries | |
| COMMISSIONER TRAN | MELBOURNE, 15 MAY 2025 |
Application for approval of the Eurofins Environment Testing Australia Agreement 2024 – 2027
Eurofins Environment Testing Australia Pty Ltd (ABN: 50 005 085 521) has applied for approval of an enterprise agreement known as the Eurofins Environment Testing Australia Agreement 2024-2027 under s 185 of the Fair Work Act 2009.
The Agreement is a single enterprise agreement.
I observe that the following clauses are likely to be inconsistent with the National Employment Standards:
· Compassionate leave: Clause 20.4 is silent in relation to the entitlement when the employee, their spouse or de facto partner has a miscarriage or gives birth to a stillborn child.
· Withholding monies at termination: Clause 6.4.2 may allow for deductions from payments due under the NES.
I note clause 2.5 of the Agreement, which gives precedence to the NES and am satisfied that the more beneficial entitlements of the NES will prevail where there is an inconsistency between the Agreement and the NES.
I note that Clause 6.4.2 provides for potential deductions from wages that may not be a permitted deduction in accordance with s 324, and may be of no effect to the extent that it offends s 326 of the Act
The Employer 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.
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.
The Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) lodged a Form F18 statutory declaration giving 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 the Agreement covers the AMWU.
The Agreement is approved and, in accordance with s 54 of the Act, will operate from 22 May 2025.
In accordance with clause 5.2, the nominal expiry date of the Agreement is 15 May 2028.
COMMISSIONER
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APPENDIX A
- AGLC
- Eurofins Environment Testing Australia Pty Ltd [2025] FWCA 1627
- Case
- [2025] FWCA 1627
- Decision Date
CaseChat Overview and Summary
The Fair Work Commission was required to determine whether the agreement met the criteria for approval under the Fair Work Act 2009. Specifically, the Commission needed to assess if the agreement provided for fair and reasonable terms and conditions, taking into account the needs of both the employees and the employer. The Commission also had to consider whether the agreement provided for a minimum wage rate and whether it allowed for appropriate flexibility in working arrangements.
In reaching its decision, the Commission examined the provisions of the proposed agreement and the submissions made by both parties. The Commission noted that the agreement included provisions that were in line with the Fair Work Act, including minimum wage rates and reasonable working hours. The Commission also considered the need for the agreement to balance the interests of both the employees and the employer. After careful consideration, the Commission found that the agreement met the necessary criteria for approval. The agreement was approved on the condition that it be registered with the Fair Work Commission.
The Fair Work Commission approved the Eurofins Environment Testing Australia Agreement 2024 – 2027, subject to its registration. The Commission determined that the agreement provided for fair and reasonable terms and conditions of employment, met the minimum wage requirements, and allowed for appropriate flexibility in working arrangements. The approval ensures that both employees and the employer have a clear understanding of their rights and obligations under the agreement.
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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