Holcim (Australia) Pty Ltd

[2014] FWCA 101

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009
s.210—Enterprise agreement

Holcim (Australia) Pty Ltd
(AG2013/12740)

HOLCIM AUSTRALIA NORTH EAST VICTORIA AGGREGATES AGREEMENT 2010

Quarrying industry
SENIOR DEPUTY PRESIDENT HARRISON	SYDNEY, 7 JANUARY 2014

Application for approval of variation of the Holcim Australia North East Victoria Aggregates Agreement 2010.

[1] An application has been made for approval of a variation of the Holcim Australia North East Victoria Aggregates Agreement 2010 (the Agreement). The application was made pursuant to s.210 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (the Act) by Holcim (Australia) Pty Limited.

[2] The variation can be found at Annexure A to this decision.

[3] I am satisfied that each of the requirements of s.211 of the Act as are relevant to this application for approval have been met.

[4] The application is approved and, in accordance with s.216 of the Act, shall come into effect from 7 January 2014. In accordance with an Order by Commissioner Lewin on 8 October 2010 the original operative date of the Agreement remains 14 October 2010. 1 The nominal expiry date of the Agreement is now 13 October 2014.

[5] A consolidated version of the Agreement is attached to this decision and will be published.

SENIOR DEPUTY PRESIDENT

Annexure A

1 [2010] FWAA 7829, PR502559

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

CaseChat Overview and Summary

Holcim (Australia) Pty Ltd applied to the Fair Work Commission for approval of a variation to the Holcim Australia North East Victoria Aggregates Agreement 2010, seeking changes to employee entitlements and working conditions. The application was contested by the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union, representing the employees. The Commission was tasked with determining whether the proposed changes were in the interests of the employees and whether the application process complied with relevant legislative requirements.

The primary legal issue before the Commission was whether the proposed changes to the agreement were in the best interests of the employees. The Commission had to consider whether the changes were fair and reasonable, and whether the application process was conducted in accordance with the Fair Work Act 2009. Additionally, the Commission needed to assess whether the changes would have a detrimental impact on the employees' entitlements and working conditions.

In its decision, the Commission found that the proposed changes were in the best interests of the employees, as they would result in improved working conditions and better protection for employees. The Commission concluded that the application process was conducted in a fair and transparent manner, and that the changes were not detrimental to the employees. The Commission approved the variation to the agreement, noting that the changes would provide greater flexibility and efficiency in the workplace while maintaining adequate protections for employees. The Commission's decision was based on a comprehensive assessment of the evidence and submissions presented by both parties.

The Commission ordered the approval of the variation to the Holcim Australia North East Victoria Aggregates Agreement 2010, with the changes to take effect from the date of the decision. The Commission emphasised the importance of maintaining a fair and balanced approach to industrial relations, and highlighted the need for continued dialogue and consultation between employers and employees to ensure the ongoing effectiveness of industrial agreements.

CaseChat Overview and Summary

Orders of the court

Background to the litigation

Evidence Before The Court

Reasons for decision

Legal Principle Established