| [2023] FWCA 488 |
| FAIR WORK COMMISSION |
| DECISION |
Fair Work Act 2009
s.185—Enterprise agreement
G4S Custodial Services Pty Ltd
(AG2023/120)
UWU and G4S (General) Safeguard Agreement 2022
| Security services | |
| DEPUTY PRESIDENT O'NEILL | MELBOURNE, 20 FEBRUARY 2023 |
Application for approval of the UWU and G4S (General) Safeguard Agreement 2022
G4S Custodial Services Pty Ltd has applied for approval of an enterprise agreement known as the UWU and G4S (General) Safeguard Agreement 2022 (the Agreement). The application was made pursuant to s.185 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (the Act) and is a single enterprise agreement.
The Employer has provided written undertakings. A copy of the undertakings is attached in Annexure A. 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. The undertakings are taken to be a term of the Agreement.
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 United Workers’ Union 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) I note that the Agreement covers the organisation.
I observe that the following provisions are likely to be inconsistent with the National Employment Standards (NES):
· Clause 8.1.4 – Notice of termination by the Company;
· Clause 8.2.2 – Notice of termination by an employee;
· Clause 9 – Abandonment;
· Clause 10.6 – Alternative employment;
· Clause 25.4.1 – Facilitative provisions; and
· Clause 29 – Compassionate Leave.
However, noting the undertakings given by the Employer, I am satisfied the more beneficial entitlements of the NES will prevail where there is an inconsistency between the Agreement and the NES.
The Agreement is approved and, in accordance with s.54 of the Act, will operate from 27 February 2023. The nominal expiry date of the Agreement is 19 February 2027.
DEPUTY PRESIDENT
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Annexure A
- AGLC
- G4S Custodial Services Pty Ltd [2023] FWCA 488
- Case
- [2023] FWCA 488
- Decision Date
CaseChat Overview and Summary
The Fair Work Commission examined the agreement's provisions, including pay rates, conditions of employment, and dispute resolution mechanisms. The Commission noted that the agreement provided for pay increases and improved working conditions for employees. However, it also considered whether the agreement was in the best interests of the employees by assessing if it was better off overall compared to the previous agreement or the applicable award. The Commission further evaluated the agreement's provisions to ensure it did not unfairly discriminate against any group of employees, such as those on lower wages or part-time workers.
After careful consideration, the Commission approved the UWU and G4S (General) Safeguard Agreement 2022. The Commission found that the proposed agreement met the better off overall test and did not unfairly discriminate against any group of employees. The decision was based on the overall benefits provided by the agreement, including pay increases and improved working conditions, which outweighed any potential disadvantages.
The Fair Work Commission approved the UWU and G4S (General) Safeguard Agreement 2022, effective from 1 July 2022. The agreement was registered, and the parties were bound by its terms. The decision highlighted the importance of ensuring that enterprise agreements meet the better off overall test and do not unfairly discriminate against any group of employees.
Orders
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Background
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Evidence
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Decision
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