Hazeldenes Chicken Farm Pty Ltd T/A Hazeldenes

[2023] FWCA 2330

[2023] FWCA 2330

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009

s.185—Enterprise agreement

Hazeldenes Chicken Farm Pty Ltd T/A Hazeldenes

(AG2023/2276)

HAZELDENES CHICKEN FARM PTY LTD FARMING ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT 2023 - 2026

Poultry processing
COMMISSIONER YILMAZ	MELBOURNE, 31 JULY 2023

Application for approval of the HAZELDENES CHICKEN FARM PTY LTD FARMING ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT 2023 - 2026

1. An application has been made for approval of an enterprise agreement known as the HAZELDENES CHICKEN FARM PTY LTD FARMING ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT 2023 - 2026 (the Agreement). The application was made pursuant to s.185 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (the Act). It has been made by Hazeldenes Chicken Farm Pty Ltd T/A Hazeldenes. The Agreement is a single enterprise agreement.

1. 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.

1. Subject to the undertakings referred to above, I am satisfied that each of the requirements of ss.186, 187, 188 and 190 are relevant to this application for approval and have been met. The Agreement does not cover all of the employees of the employer, however, taking into account the factors in ss.186(3) and (3A) I am satisfied that the group of employees was fairly chosen.

1. I observe that provisions of the Agreement concerning casual conversion and compassionate leave are likely to be inconsistent with the National Employment Standards (NES). However, noting clause 6 of the Agreement, I am satisfied the more beneficial entitlements of the NES will prevail where there is an inconsistency between the Agreement and the NES.

1. Pursuant to s.202(4) of the Act, the model flexibility term prescribed by the Fair Work Regulations 2009 is taken to be a term of the Agreement.

1. 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.

1. The Agreement is approved and in accordance with s.54, will operate from 7 August 2023. The nominal expiry date of the Agreement is 15 June 2026.

COMMISSIONER

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Annexure A