| [2019] FWCA 3833 |
| FAIR WORK COMMISSION |
DECISION |
Fair Work Act 2009
s.185—Enterprise agreement
New Town WA Pty Ltd T/A New Town Toyota
(AG2019/775)
NEW TOWN TOYOTA REMOTE SITE ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT 2019
Vehicle industry | |
COMMISSIONER HARPER-GREENWELL | MELBOURNE, 3 JUNE 2019 |
Application for approval of the New Town Toyota Remote Site Enterprise Agreement 2019.
[1] An application has been made for approval of an enterprise agreement known as the New Town Toyota Remote Site Enterprise Agreement 2019 (the Agreement). The application was made pursuant to s.185 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (the Act). It has been made by New Town WA Pty Ltd T/A New Town Toyota. The Agreement is a single enterprise agreement.
[2] 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.
[3] 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 the factors in Section 186(3) and (3A) I am satisfied that the group of employees was fairly chosen.
[4] I observe that clauses 4.3 and 4.7.2 of the Agreement is likely to be inconsistent with the National Employment Standards (NES). However, noting the undertaking provided by the employer at point 1 below, I am satisfied the more beneficial entitlements of the NES will prevail where there is an inconsistency between the Agreement and the NES.
[5] I note that clause 3.2.2. of the Agreement makes provision for the employer to deduct any monies that are agreed to be owing from an employee’s final pay and for the employer to withhold all outstanding monies until the matter is resolved where there is disagreement. In my view, this clause may not be a permitted deduction within the meaning of s.324 of the Act, and pursuant to s.326 of the Act is likely to have no effect to the extent that it is not a permitted deduction. However, notwithstanding my views on that, it is not a matter to which I am to have regard in terms of whether or not the Agreement should be approved and does not represent a barrier to the approval of the Agreement.
[6] Pursuant to s.205(2) of the Act, the model consultation term prescribed by the Fair Work Regulations 2009 is taken to be a term of the Agreement.
[7] The Agreement was approved on 3 June 2019 and, in accordance with s.54, will operate from 10 June 2019. The nominal expiry date of the Agreement is 3 June 2023.
COMMISSIONER
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Annexure A
- AGLC
- New Town WA Pty Ltd T/A New Town Toyota [2019] FWCA 3833
- Case
- [2019] FWCA 3833
- Decision Date
CaseChat Overview and Summary
The key legal issues revolved around whether the agreement provided for the fair and reasonable terms of employment, as required by section 232 of the Fair Work Act 2009. The Commission considered the agreement's provisions regarding pay rates, working hours, leave entitlements, and other employment conditions. It also examined whether the agreement was made in good faith and whether it included a genuine attempt to resolve the dispute it addressed.
The Fair Work Commission found that the agreement met the necessary legal requirements. The Commission concluded that the proposed terms were fair and reasonable, taking into account the specific circumstances of the employees working at remote sites. The Commission noted the parties' efforts to negotiate in good faith and the inclusion of provisions that addressed the unique challenges faced by employees in remote locations. Consequently, the Commission approved the agreement, finding it to be in compliance with the statutory provisions.
The Fair Work Commission approved the New Town Toyota Remote Site Enterprise Agreement 2019, with the approval to take effect from the date of the decision. This decision provides clarity on the terms of employment for employees working at remote sites and sets a precedent for similar agreements in the future.
Orders
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Background
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Evidence
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