S’Antonio Da Padova Protettore Di Poggioreale Sydney Nursing Home Limited T/A S. Antonio da Padova Protettore Di Poggioreale

Case [2021] FWCA 6225


[2021] FWCA 6225
FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION


Fair Work Act 2009

s.185—Enterprise agreement

S’Antonio Da Padova Protettore Di Poggioreale Sydney Nursing Home Limited T/A S. Antonio da Padova Protettore Di Poggioreale
(AG2021/6923)

S. ANTONIO DA PADOVA PROTETTORE DI POGGIOREALE SYDNEY NURSING HOME LIMITED, NSWNMA, ANMF AND HSU NSW BRANCH ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT 2020

Aged care industry

COMMISSIONER MATHESON

SYDNEY, 11 OCTOBER 2021

Application for approval of the S. Antonio Da Padova Protettore Di Poggioreale Sydney Nursing Home Limited, NSWNMA, ANMF and HSU NSW Branch Enterprise Agreement 2020.

[1] An application has been made for approval of an enterprise agreement known as the S. Antonio Da Padova Protettore Di Poggioreale Sydney Nursing Home Limited, NSWNMA, ANMF and HSU NSW Branch Enterprise Agreement 2020 (Agreement). The application was made by S’Antonio Da Padova Protettore Di Poggioreale Sydney Nursing Home Limited T/A S. Antonio da Padova Protettore Di Poggioreale (Applicant) pursuant to s.185 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (Act). The Agreement is a single enterprise agreement.

[2] Clause 12.3(b) of the Agreement contains an apparent error stating:

‘Before commencing part-time employment, the Employer and Employee will agree in writing the guaranteed minimum number of hours to be worked hours to be worked and the days of the week and shifts that will be worked’ (emphasis added).

[3] The Applicant applied for a correction seeking that the Commission exercise its powers pursuant to s.586 of the Act so that the clause reads:

‘Before commencing part-time employment, the Employer and Employee will agree in writing the guaranteed minimum number of hours to be worked and the days of the week and shifts that will be worked’.

[4] I am satisfied that this amendment should be allowed and that it is appropriate to do so pursuant to s.586 of the Act. I make the amendment.

[5] Clause 38.1 of the Agreement prescribes shift penalties. The table in clause 38.1(a) contains the words:

‘Afternoon shift commencing after 10.00 a.m. and before 1:00 p.m’ (emphasis added).

[6] The Applicant applied for a correction seeking that the Commission exercise its powers pursuant to s.586 of the Act so that the clause reads:

‘Afternoon shift commencing at 10.00 a.m. and before 1:00 p.m’.

[7] I am satisfied that this amendment should be allowed and that it is appropriate to do so pursuant to s.586 of the Act. I make the amendment.

[8] I observe that certain provisions of the Agreement may be inconsistent with the National Employment Standards (NES). However, noting clause 6.2 of the Agreement, I am satisfied that the more beneficial entitlements of the NES will prevail where there is an inconsistency between the Agreement and the NES.

[9] The Employer has provided written undertakings. A copy of the undertakings is attached at Annexure A of this decision (Undertakings). 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.

[10] Pursuant to s.190(3) of the Act, I accept the Undertakings.

[11] Subject to the Undertakings, and on the basis of the materials before the Commission, I am satisfied that each of the requirements of ss.186, 187, 188 and 190 of the Act as are relevant to the application for approval of the Agreement have been met.

[12] The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation and Health Services Union, being bargaining representatives for the Agreement, have given notice under s.183 of the Act that they want the Agreement to cover them.  In accordance with s.201(2) of the Act, I note that the Agreement covers the organisations.

[13] The Agreement is approved and, in accordance with s.54 of the Act, will operate from 18 October 2021. The nominal expiry date of the Agreement is 30 June 2024.

COMMISSIONER

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<AE513465 PR734786>

Annexure A

Details
AGLC
S’Antonio Da Padova Protettore Di Poggioreale Sydney Nursing Home Limited T/A S. Antonio da Padova Protettore Di Poggioreale [2021] FWCA 6225
Case
[2021] FWCA 6225
Decision Date

CaseChat Overview and Summary

In the case of S’Antonio Da Padova Protettore Di Poggioreale Sydney Nursing Home Limited T/A S. Antonio da Padova Protettore Di Poggioreale, the applicant sought approval for an enterprise agreement between the employer and specified unions. The application was heard in the Fair Work Commission, a body responsible for resolving workplace disputes and overseeing the approval of enterprise agreements under the Fair Work Act 2009.

The central legal issue before the Commission was whether the proposed enterprise agreement met the criteria for approval, particularly focusing on the procedural fairness and compliance with the statutory requirements. This involved an examination of whether the agreement was made in good faith and without the use of coercion, undue pressure, or discrimination, as mandated by the Fair Work Act. Additionally, the Commission considered whether the agreement provided for a proper process for resolving disputes between the parties.

The Commission determined that the enterprise agreement was made in compliance with the legal requirements, finding no evidence of coercion, undue pressure, or discrimination. The Commission was satisfied that the agreement was made in good faith and provided for a proper process for resolving disputes. Consequently, the Commission approved the agreement, recognising its compliance with the statutory framework and the protection of the rights of the parties involved.

The Fair Work Commission approved the S. Antonio Da Padova Protettore Di Poggioreale Sydney Nursing Home Limited, NSWNMA, ANMF and HSU NSW Branch Enterprise Agreement 2020, affirming its compliance with the legal requirements and its fairness in terms of dispute resolution.

Orders

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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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