DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009
s.185—Enterprise agreement

Martin Brower Australia Pty Ltd
(AG2021/8023)

MARTIN BROWER AUSTRALIA PTY LTD AND UNITED WORKERS UNION – SYDNEY WAREHOUSE ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT 2021

Storage services
COMMISSIONER MATHESON	SYDNEY, 12 NOVEMBER 2021

Application for approval of the Martin Brower Australia Pty Ltd and United Workers Union – Sydney Warehouse Enterprise Agreement 2021.

[1] An application has been made for approval of an enterprise agreement known as the Martin Brower Australia Pty Ltd and United Workers Union – Sydney Warehouse Enterprise Agreement 2021 (Agreement). The application was made by Martin Brower Australia Pty Ltd (Applicant) pursuant to s.185 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (Act). The Agreement is a single enterprise agreement.

[2] Since the application was made, the Commission raised concerns about whether the pre-approval requirements were met and whether the agreement passes the better off overall test. Further information was provided in relation to those concerns. A hearing was also held on 8 November 2021.

[3] I observe that clauses 24.1(d), 24.4 and 42.3(b) of the Agreement may be inconsistent with the National Employment Standards (NES). However, noting clause 7 of the Agreement, I am satisfied that the more beneficial entitlements of the NES will prevail where there is an inconsistency between the Agreement and the NES.

[4] The Employer has provided written undertakings. A copy of the undertakings is attached at Annexure A of this decision (Undertakings). The views of each person I know is a bargaining representative for the Agreement were sought in relation to the Undertaking. The bargaining representative did not oppose the Undertaking. I am satisfied that the effect of accepting the Undertakings is not likely to:

(a) cause financial detriment to any employee covered by the Agreement; or

(b) result in substantial changes to the Agreement.

[5] Pursuant to s.190(3) of the Act, I accept the Undertakings.

[6] Subject to the Undertakings, and on the basis of the materials before the Commission, I am satisfied that each of the requirements of ss.186, 187, 188 and 190 of the Act as are relevant to the application for approval of the Agreement have been met.

[7] 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) of the Act, I note that the Agreement covers the organisation.

[8] The Agreement is approved and, in accordance with s.54 of the Act, will operate from 19 November 2021. The nominal expiry date of the Agreement is 31 July 2024.

COMMISSIONER

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

Annexure A

In the Fair Work Commission, Martin Brower Australia Pty Ltd, the applicant, sought approval of the Martin Brower Australia Pty Ltd and United Workers Union – Sydney Warehouse Enterprise Agreement 2021. The respondent, the United Workers Union, contested the application, raising concerns about various provisions within the agreement. The case revolved around whether the agreement met the statutory requirements for approval under the Fair Work Act 2009.

The primary legal issue was whether the enterprise agreement complied with the relevant provisions of the Fair Work Act, including those relating to minimum entitlements, the process for making the agreement, and whether it was in the best interests of the employees. The respondent argued that certain provisions did not meet the minimum standards prescribed by the Act and questioned whether the agreement had been made in good faith and without coercion.

The Commission carefully reviewed the provisions in question and considered submissions from both parties. It found that while some aspects of the agreement required minor adjustments to meet the statutory minimum standards, the overall agreement was in the best interests of the employees. The Commission approved the agreement with some modifications, ensuring that it complied with the legislative requirements and protected the rights of the employees. The final orders included the approval of the agreement with specified amendments, ensuring it met all necessary legal standards.

Martin Brower Australia Pty Ltd

DECISION

CaseChat Overview and Summary

Orders of the court

Background to the litigation

Evidence Before The Court

Reasons for decision

Legal Principle Established