K & S Freighters

[2023] FWCA 150

[2023] FWCA 150

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009

s.185 - Application for approval of a single-enterprise agreement

K & S Freighters

(AG2022/5127)

K&S FREIGHTERS TRANSPORT WORKERS EMPLOYEES, SOUTH AUSTRALIA GENERAL TRANSPORT AGREEMENT, 2022

Road transport industry
COMMISSIONER HUNT	BRISBANE, 17 JANUARY 2023

Application for approval of the K&S Freighters Transport Workers Employees, South Australia General Transport Agreement, 2022

1. K & S Freighters (the Employer) has applied for approval of an enterprise agreement known as the K&S Freighters Transport Workers Employees, South Australia General Transport Agreement, 2022 (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.

1. The Fair Work Commission (the Commission) raised certain concerns regarding the Agreement with the Employer, and further identified the concerns raised by the Transport Workers’ Union of Australia – South Australia / Northern Territory Branch (the TWU). 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 TWU regarding the undertakings, allowing a period of two business days from receipt of the undertakings to provide any views. No views were provided.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. The TWU 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 TWU.

1. The Agreement is approved and, in accordance with s.54 of the Act, will operate from 24 January 2023.  The nominal expiry date of the Agreement is 30 September 2026.

COMMISSIONER

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Annexure A – Undertakings