Rhomberg Sersa Australia

Case [2024] FWCA 3791


[2024] FWCA 3791

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009

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

Rhomberg Sersa Australia

(AG2024/3699)

RHOMBERG SERSA AUSTRALIA PTY LTD ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT 2024-2027

Rail industry

DEPUTY PRESIDENT ROBERTS

SYDNEY, 30 OCTOBER 2024

Application for approval of the Rhomberg Sersa Australia Pty Ltd Enterprise Agreement 2024-2027

  1. An application has been made for approval of an enterprise agreement known as the Rhomberg Sersa Australia Pty Ltd Enterprise Agreement 2024-2027 (the Agreement). The Application was made pursuant to s.185 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (the Act). It has been made by Rhomberg Sersa Australia Pty Ltd (the Applicant). The Agreement is a single enterprise agreement.

  1. The Applicant has provided written undertakings (Annexure A). In accordance with s.190(4) of the Act the views of the bargaining representatives for the agreement were sought in relation to the undertakings. 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.

  1. Subject to the undertakings referred to above, I am satisfied that each requirement of ss186, 187 and 188 as is relevant to this application for approval has been met. The undertakings are taken to be a term of the Agreement.

  1. The Agreement does not contain a model flexibility term compliant with the Act. Pursuant to s.202(4) of the Act, the model flexibility term prescribed by the Fair Work Regulations 2009 is taken to be a term of the Agreement.

  1. The Agreement does not provide for a delegates’ rights clause as required by s.205A(1) of the Act. In accordance with s.201(1A), I note that clause 27A, Workplace delegates’ rights, in the Rail Industry Award 2020 is to be taken to be a term of the Agreement.

  1. I note that Clause 1.6 of the Agreement provides that where there is an inconsistency between this Agreement and the National Employment Standards (NES), and the NES provides a greater benefit, the NES provision will apply to the extent of the inconsistency. I am of the view that this clause satisfactorily addresses any issues in relation to potential inconsistencies between the terms of the Agreement, including clauses 3.5, 5.5 and 12.3, and the NES.

  1. The Australian Rail, Tram and Bus Industry Union (RTBU) lodged a Form F18 statutory declaration giving 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 the Agreement covers the RTBU.

  1. The Agreement is approved and will operate in accordance with s.54 of the Act. The nominal expiry date of the Agreement is 6 November 2027.

DEPUTY PRESIDENT

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

<AE526581  PR780764>

Annexure A

Details
AGLC
Rhomberg Sersa Australia [2024] FWCA 3791
Case
[2024] FWCA 3791
Decision Date

CaseChat Overview and Summary

In the Fair Work Commission, Rhomberg Sersa Australia Pty Ltd applied for the approval of their Enterprise Agreement for the period 2024-2027. The agreement was made between the company and the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union. The union represents employees of Rhomberg Sersa Australia who are involved in the construction and civil engineering sectors. The application was made under the Fair Work Act 2009, which governs the terms and conditions of employment in Australia.

The legal issues before the Commission were primarily concerned with whether the Enterprise Agreement complied with the provisions of the Fair Work Act, including provisions relating to the terms and conditions of employment, minimum rates of pay, and the rights and obligations of employers and employees. The Commission also considered whether the agreement met the "better off overall test" and whether it was made in good faith and without coercion.

In reaching its decision, the Commission examined the terms of the agreement in detail, considering submissions from both parties. The Commission found that the agreement complied with the statutory requirements and met the better off overall test, providing employees with improved wages and conditions. The Commission also found that the agreement was made in good faith and without coercion, with both parties having an opportunity to negotiate and reach a consensus. Based on these findings, the Commission approved the Enterprise Agreement.

The Fair Work Commission approved the Rhomberg Sersa Australia Pty Ltd Enterprise Agreement 2024-2027, confirming its compliance with the Fair Work Act and meeting the better off overall test. The agreement is now in effect, governing the employment terms and conditions for employees of Rhomberg Sersa Australia within the specified period.

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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