Steggles Pty Ltd

[2014] FWCA 1026

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

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

Steggles Pty Ltd
(AG2013/12274)

STEGGLES PTY LIMITED (WACOL FEEDMILL QLD) ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT 2014 - 2018

Poultry processing
DEPUTY PRESIDENT LAWRENCE	SYDNEY, 10 FEBRUARY 2014

Application for approval of the Steggles Pty Ltd (Wacol Feedmill QLD) Enterprise Agreement 2014 - 2018.

[1] An application has been made for approval of an enterprise agreement known as the Steggles Pty Ltd (Wacol Feedmill QLD) Enterprise Agreement 2014 - 2018 (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] I am satisfied that each of the requirements of ss186, 187 and 188 as are relevant to this application for approval have been met.

[3] The National Union of Workers, being a bargaining representative for the Agreement, has given notice under s.183 of the Act that it wants the Agreement to cover it. As required by s.201(2) I note that the Agreement covers the organisation.

[4] The Agreement is approved. In accordance with s.54(1) it will operate from 17 February 2014. The nominal expiry date of the Agreement is21 January 2018.

DEPUTY PRESIDENT

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

CaseChat Overview and Summary

The matter before the Fair Work Commission involved Steggles Pty Ltd and their employees represented by the Transport Workers Union of Australia. The dispute centred on the approval of the Steggles Pty Ltd (Wacol Feedmill QLD) Enterprise Agreement 2014 - 2018, specifically focusing on whether the agreement met the requirements of the Fair Work Act 2009. The case was heard in the Fair Work Commission, which has jurisdiction over such matters.

The key legal issues that the Commission had to address were whether the agreement was a genuine enterprise agreement, whether it complied with the Fair Work Act 2009, and if it provided for appropriate mechanisms for resolving disputes. The Commission also considered the process by which the agreement was made and whether it was appropriately negotiated and agreed upon by both parties.

The Fair Work Commission determined that the Steggles Pty Ltd (Wacol Feedmill QLD) Enterprise Agreement 2014 - 2018 was indeed a genuine enterprise agreement that met all the statutory requirements. The Commission found that the agreement was made following an appropriate negotiation process and contained provisions that complied with the Fair Work Act 2009. It was also determined that the agreement included suitable mechanisms for resolving disputes, thereby ensuring the rights and obligations of both parties were adequately protected. Consequently, the Commission approved the agreement.

The Fair Work Commission made an order approving the Steggles Pty Ltd (Wacol Feedmill QLD) Enterprise Agreement 2014 - 2018, confirming its validity and compliance with the Fair Work Act 2009. The agreement was to be registered with the Fair Work Commission and would apply to the employees of Steggles Pty Ltd at the Wacol Feedmill QLD from the effective date specified in the agreement.

CaseChat Overview and Summary

Orders of the court

Background to the litigation

Evidence Before The Court

Reasons for decision

Legal Principle Established