Robe Community Financial Services Ltd T/A Robe & Districts Community Bank Branch

[2021] FWCA 417

[2021] FWCA 417

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009
s.185 - Application for approval of a single-enterprise agreement

Robe Community Financial Services Ltd T/A Robe & Districts Community Bank Branch
(AG2020/3840)

ROBE COMMUNITY BANK ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT 2020

Banking finance and insurance industry
DEPUTY PRESIDENT ASBURY	BRISBANE, 28 JANUARY 2021

Application for approval of the Robe Community Bank Enterprise Agreement 2020.

[1] Robe Community Financial Services Ltd T/A Robe & Districts Community Bank Branch (the Applicant) applies to the Fair Work Commission (the Commission) for approval of an enterprise agreement known as the Robe Community Bank Enterprise Agreement 2020 (the Agreement). The application was made pursuant to s.185 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (the Act). The Agreement is a single enterprise agreement.

[2] Undertakings were provided by the Applicant in response to concerns the Commission held in relation to the operation of certain clauses and whether the Agreement passes the better off overall test. A copy of the Undertakings is attached as Annexure A to this decision. 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.

[3] The views of each person or organisation the Commission knows is a bargaining representative for the Agreement has been sought in relation to the Undertakings. Pursuant to subsection 190(3) of the Act, I accept the Undertakings. In accordance with s.201(3) of the Act, a copy of the undertakings will be attached to the Agreement and forms part of the Agreement.

[4] I note that the following clauses may be inconsistent with the National Employment Standards (NES):

Clause 14.1(b) – Annual Leave;

Clause 15.3(a) – Notification requirements for personal leave;

Clause 13.1(c) – Public Holidays; and

Clause 23.3 – Alternative Employment.

[5] I also note that clause 21 of the Agreement provides that where there is an inconsistency between a provision of the Agreement and the NES, and the NES provides a greater benefit, the NES provision will apply to the extent of the inconsistency. On this basis, I am satisfied the more beneficial entitlements of the NES will prevail where there is an inconsistency between the Agreement and the NES. Further, I note that by virtue of s.55 of the Act, an enterprise agreement must not exclude the NES or any provisions of the NES and s.56 provides that a term of an enterprise agreement has no effect to the extent that it contravenes s.55.

[6] I am satisfied, on the basis of information set out in the Form F16 Application for approval of an enterprise agreement, the Form F17 Employer’s declaration in support of an application for approval of the Agreement and responses to requests for further information provided by the Applicant, that each of the requirements of ss. l86, 187 and 188 as are relevant to this application for approval have been met.

[7] The Finance Sector Union, being a bargaining representative for the Agreement, has given notice under s.183 of the Act that it wants the Agreement to cover that organisation. In accordance with s.201(2) of the Act, and based on the declaration provided by the organisation, I note that the Agreement covers this organisation.

[8] The Agreement is approved in accordance with s.54 of the Act and will operate from 4 February 2021. The nominal expiry date of the Agreement is 28 January 2025.

DEPUTY PRESIDENT

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

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Annexure A