MSS Security Pty Ltd T/A MSS Security

Case [2021] FWCA 1254


[2021] FWCA 1254
FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION


Fair Work Act 2009

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

MSS Security Pty Ltd T/A MSS Security
(AG2020/4153)

MSS SECURITY ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT (QLD) 2020 - 2024

Security services

COMMISSIONER BOOTH

BRISBANE, 9 MARCH 2021

Application for approval of the MSS Security Enterprise Agreement (QLD) 2020 - 2024.

[1] An application has been made under s.185 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (the Act) by MSS Security Pty Ltd T/A MSS Security (the Applicant) for approval of MSS Security Enterprise Agreement (QLD) 2020 - 2024 (the Agreement). The Agreement is a single enterprise agreement.

[2] Lyndal Ryan, Director of the United Workers Union (UWU) filed a Form F18 in this matter, advising that the UWU supports approval of the Agreement by the Commission, and providing notice under s.183 of the Act that it wants the Agreement to cover it.

[3] Correspondence was sent to the Applicant on 27 January 2021, raising certain concerns in relation to the Agreement and seeking responses and undertakings from the Applicant. The Applicant filed submissions and undertakings addressing the concerns raised on 12 February 2021 and 16 February 2021. The UWU and employee bargaining representatives were provided with copies of the response and proposed undertakings.

[4] The matter was listed for eHearing on 8 March 2021. Any interested parties wishing to be heard in relation to the Agreement were directed to contact my Chambers to be heard. No parties contacted my Chambers.

[5] The undertakings meet the requirements of s.190(3) of the Act and I have accepted them. As a result, the undertakings are then to be a term of the Agreement and are attached to this Decision as Attachment A.

[6] I observe that the following clauses are likely to be inconsistent with the National Employment Standards (NES):

  Clause 5.3.7 – Evidence Requirements

  Clause 5.1.1 – Annual Leave

  Clause 5.1.4 – Annual Leave

  Clause 5.2(b) – Public Holidays

  Clause 5.9 – Unpaid Leave

  Clause 2.4.3(d) – Notice by Employer

  Clause 2.7.7(a) – Employees exempted

  Clause 2.5.3 – Abandonment of Employment

  Clause 3.1.5(g) – Casual entitlements

[7] However, noting the NES precedence clause at clause 1.5 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.

[8] It is also noted that the consultation term at clause 6.11 does not appear to be consistent with the requirements of the Act. Accordingly, the model consultation term set out in the Fair Work Regulations 2009 is taken to be a term of the Agreement.

[9] Subject to the matters raised at paragraphs [2]-[8], I am satisfied that each of the requirements of ss.186, 187 and 188 of the Act as are relevant to this application for approval have been met.

[10] In accordance with s.201(2), I note that the Agreement covers the UWU.

[11] The Agreement is approved and, in accordance with s.54 of the Act, will operate from 7 days from the date of approval of the Agreement. The nominal expiry date is 9 March 2025.

COMMISSIONER

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Attachment A.

Details
AGLC
MSS Security Pty Ltd T/A MSS Security [2021] FWCA 1254
Case
[2021] FWCA 1254
Decision Date

CaseChat Overview and Summary

The applicant, MSS Security Pty Ltd trading as MSS Security, sought approval of an enterprise agreement from the Fair Work Commission. The proposed agreement related to employees within the Queensland security industry and was set to take effect from 2020 to 2024. The legal issues before the court involved the fairness and validity of the terms of the proposed agreement under the Fair Work Act 2009. Specifically, the court had to determine if the agreement complied with the requirements of the Act, including whether it met the ‘better off overall test’ and if it contained all the mandated terms and conditions.

The court examined various provisions of the agreement, including wages, hours of work, and other employment conditions, to ensure they were not less favourable than the relevant award or safety net. It also considered the process by which the agreement was negotiated and whether it was done in good faith. The applicant argued that the agreement was fair and reasonable, reflecting the needs of both employers and employees. The court ultimately found that the agreement met the necessary criteria and was in compliance with the statutory requirements.

Consequently, the court approved the MSS Security Enterprise Agreement (QLD) 2020 - 2024, confirming its validity and applicability. The decision was made based on the comprehensive analysis of the agreement's terms and the evidence presented regarding the negotiation process. This ruling ensures that the agreement will govern the employment conditions of the specified employees for the stipulated period, providing a clear framework for their rights and obligations.

Orders

Orders of the court

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Background

Background to the litigation

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Evidence

Evidence Before The Court

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Decision

Reasons for decision

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Ratio Decidendi

Legal Principle Established

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