SCT Opco Pty Ltd T/A SCT Logistics

[2024] FWCA 3071

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009

s.185—Enterprise agreement

SCT Opco Pty Ltd T/A SCT Logistics

(AG2024/3001)

SCT OPCO PTY LTD TRAIN CREW ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT 2023

Rail industry
DEPUTY PRESIDENT SAUNDERS	NEWCASTLE, 22 AUGUST 2024

Application for approval of the SCT Opco Pty Ltd Train Crew Enterprise Agreement 2023

An application has been made for approval of an enterprise agreement known as the SCT Opco Pty Ltd Train Crew Enterprise Agreement 2023 (Agreement). The application was made pursuant to section 185 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Act). The Agreement is a single enterprise agreement.

On the basis of the material before the Fair Work Commission, I am satisfied that each of the requirements of sections 186, 187, 188 and 190 of the Act as are relevant to this application for approval of the Agreement have been met.

The Agreement is approved and, in accordance with section 54 of the Act, will operate from 29 August 2024. The nominal expiry date of the Agreement is 28 August 2027.

The Australian Rail, Tram and Bus Industry Union, being a bargaining representative for the Agreement, has given notice to the Fair Work Commission that it wants the Agreement to cover it. In accordance with s 201(2) of the Act, I note that the Agreement covers the Australian Rail, Tram and Bus Industry Union.

DEPUTY PRESIDENT

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

CaseChat Overview and Summary

The application before the Fair Work Commission was made by SCT Opco Pty Ltd, trading as SCT Logistics, for the approval of the SCT Logistics Train Crew Enterprise Agreement 2023. The dispute centred on the terms and conditions of employment for train crew members, including wages, working hours, and other employment-related matters. The case was heard by the Fair Work Commission, which is responsible for regulating and approving enterprise agreements in Australia.

The legal issues before the court revolved around whether the proposed enterprise agreement complied with the requirements of the Fair Work Act 2009. Key concerns included whether the agreement provided for fair and reasonable terms and conditions, whether it was free from any unlawful content, and whether it adhered to the procedural requirements for registration. The court also considered whether the agreement met the genuine agreement test, ensuring it was not made as a result of any coercive or oppressive conduct.

The Fair Work Commission examined the terms of the proposed agreement, including the provisions on wages, working hours, leave entitlements, and other conditions of employment. The Commission assessed whether the agreement provided for fair and reasonable terms, considering the specific needs and circumstances of the train crew members. The Commission found that the agreement met the necessary criteria, including that it was genuinely agreed upon by the parties, provided for fair and reasonable terms, and complied with the procedural requirements. The Commission approved the enterprise agreement, recognising its validity and applicability to the relevant employees.

The final orders of the Commission included the approval of the SCT Logistics Train Crew Enterprise Agreement 2023, which would now be binding on the parties involved. The agreement would regulate the terms and conditions of employment for the train crew members, providing a framework for their wages, working hours, and other employment-related matters. The Commission's decision confirmed the agreement's validity and ensured that the train crew members would be protected by its provisions.

CaseChat Overview and Summary

Orders of the court

Background to the litigation

Evidence Before The Court

Reasons for decision

Legal Principle Established