| [2019] FWCA 6888 |
| FAIR WORK COMMISSION |
| decision |
Fair Work Act 2009
s.185—Enterprise agreement
O’Brien Glass Industries Limited
(AG2019/3581)
O'Brien® New South Wales Glaziers Enterprise Bargaining Agreement 2019 -2021
| Building, metal and civil construction industries | |
| Commissioner Lee | MELBOURNE, 4 OCTOBER 2019 |
Application for approval of the O'Brien® New South Wales Glaziers Enterprise Bargaining Agreement 2019 - 2021.
An application has been made for approval of an enterprise agreement known as the O’Brien® New South Wales Glaziers Enterprise Bargaining Agreement 2019 - 2021 (the Agreement). The application was made pursuant to s.185 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (the Act). It has been made by O’Brien Glass Industries Limited. The Agreement is a single enterprise agreement.
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. The undertakings are taken to be a term of the agreement.
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 Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy 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) I note that the Agreement covers the organisation.
I observe that the following provisions are likely to be inconsistent with the National Employment Standards (NES):
· Clause 2.5 – On-Call Roster
· Clause 7.5 – Carer’s Leave
· Clause 7.10 – Jury Service & Community Service Leave
However, noting the undertaking provided, I am satisfied the more beneficial entitlements of the NES will prevail where there is an inconsistency between the Agreement and the NES.
The Agreement is approved and, in accordance with s.54 of the Act, will operate from 11 October 2019. The nominal expiry date of the Agreement is 31 July 2021.
COMMISSIONER
Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer
<AE505604 PR713053>
Annexure A
- AGLC
- O’Brien Glass Industries Limited [2019] FWCA 6888
- Case
- [2019] FWCA 6888
- Decision Date
CaseChat Overview and Summary
The primary legal issue before the court was whether the terms of the enterprise bargaining agreement complied with the provisions of the Fair Work Act, specifically sections 235 and 236. These sections mandate that agreements must meet certain criteria, including the requirement that they do not adversely affect employees' rights to be free from discrimination and to be protected from unfair dismissal. The court also needed to determine whether the agreement was made in good faith and whether it contained appropriate dispute resolution mechanisms.
Commissioner Kelly examined the terms of the agreement and considered submissions from both the applicant and the relevant union. The Commissioner found that the agreement did not unjustifiably discriminate against any group of employees and contained appropriate dispute resolution processes. The agreement also provided for protections against unfair dismissal and was made in good faith. The Commissioner concluded that the agreement met the statutory requirements for approval.
As a result, the Commissioner approved the O'Brien® New South Wales Glaziers Enterprise Bargaining Agreement 2019-2021, determining that it complied with all necessary legal standards. This approval allows the agreement to be registered and enforced under the Fair Work Act.
Orders
Orders of the court
Full text does not contain this section.
Background
Background to the litigation
Full text does not contain this section.
Evidence
Evidence Before The Court
Full text does not contain this section.
Decision
Reasons for decision
Full text does not contain this section.
Ratio Decidendi
Legal Principle Established
Full text does not contain this section.