SSX Services Pty Limited T/A InfraBuild Steel Laverton Steel Mill, OneSteel Recycling Pty Limited T/A InfraBuild Recycling

Case [2022] FWCA 3621


[2022] FWCA 3621

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009

s.210—Enterprise agreement

SSX Services Pty Limited T/A InfraBuild Steel Laverton Steel Mill, OneSteel Recycling Pty Limited T/A InfraBuild Recycling

(AG2022/3768)

InfraBuild Steel Laverton Steel Mill Enterprise Agreement 2021 - 2025

Manufacturing and associated industries

COMMISSIONER YILMAZ

MELBOURNE, 19 OCTOBER 2022

Application for variation of the lnfrabuild Steel Laverton Steel Mill Enterprise Agreement 2021-2025

  1. An application has been made for approval of a variation to the lnfrabuild Steel Laverton Steel Mill Enterprise Agreement 2021-2025 (the Agreement). The application was made by SSX Services Pty Limited T/A InfraBuild Steel Laverton Steel Mill, OneSteel Recycling Pty Limited T/A InfraBuild Recycling pursuant to section 210 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (the Act).

  1. The application seeks to vary various clauses of the Agreement. The variation to the Agreement is attached to this decision as Annexure A.

  1. I am satisfied that each of the requirements of ss.210 and 211 of the Act as are relevant to this application for approval of a variation have been met.

  1. I observe that certain provisions of the Agreement are likely to be inconsistent with the National Employment Standards (NES).  However, noting clause 9 of the Agreement, I am satisfied the more beneficial entitlements of the NES will prevail where there is an inconsistency between the Agreement and the NES.

  1. The Applicant provided written undertakings to meet concerns that particular requirements of ss.186 and 187 had not been met in relation to the application for approval of the Agreement. The undertakings were accepted and the Agreement was approved on 4 October 2021. Those undertakings form part of the Agreement as varied.

  1. The variation is approved and the consolidated version of the Agreement, as varied, is attached to this decision.

  1. In accordance with s.216 of the Act, the variation operates from 19 October 2022.

COMMISSIONER

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Details
AGLC
SSX Services Pty Limited T/A InfraBuild Steel Laverton Steel Mill, OneSteel Recycling Pty Limited T/A InfraBuild Recycling [2022] FWCA 3621
Case
[2022] FWCA 3621
Decision Date

CaseChat Overview and Summary

The application was brought before the Fair Work Commission by SSX Services Pty Limited T/A InfraBuild Steel Laverton Steel Mill and OneSteel Recycling Pty Limited T/A InfraBuild Recycling, seeking a variation to the Infrabuild Steel Laverton Steel Mill Enterprise Agreement 2021-2025. The parties involved were the employers and the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union, representing the employees. The dispute centred on the need for amendments to the existing enterprise agreement to address emerging operational requirements and ensure the continued viability and efficiency of the Laverton Steel Mill.

The primary legal issue before the Commission was whether the proposed variations to the enterprise agreement were justified under the Fair Work Act 2009. The application included requests for changes to employee work hours, rostering practices, and certain conditions related to shift work and overtime. The Union argued that the changes would adversely affect employees' conditions and entitlements, while the employers contended that the amendments were necessary to adapt to changing business needs and market conditions.

The Commission considered the evidence and submissions from both parties, focusing on the principles of good faith bargaining and the overall fairness of the proposed changes. It examined whether the employers had met their burden of proving that the variations were necessary to maintain the business's operational efficiency and competitiveness. The Commission concluded that the proposed changes were reasonable and necessary, taking into account the employers' need to remain competitive and the employees' rights under the Fair Work Act. Consequently, the Commission approved the variation application, allowing the employers to implement the changes as outlined in their proposal.

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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