| [2025] FWCA 1369 |
| FAIR WORK COMMISSION |
| DECISION |
Fair Work Act 2009
s.185 - Application for approval of a single-enterprise agreement
Superior Food Group Pty Ltd Trading AS Superior Food Services
(AG2025/766)
SFS FOOD SERVICES ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT 2024
| Storage services | |
| COMMISSIONER PERICA | MELBOURNE, 24 APRIL 2025 |
Application for approval of the SFS Food Services Enterprise Agreement 2024
An application has been made for approval of an enterprise agreement known as the SFS Food Services Enterprise Agreement 2024 (the Agreement). The application is made under section 185 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (the Act). The Agreement is a single enterprise agreement.
The Employer has provided written undertakings. A copy of these undertakings is attached in Annexure A. I am satisfied the undertakings will not cause financial detriment to any employee covered by the Agreement and that the undertakings will not result in substantial changes to the Agreement. I therefore note the undertakings are taken to be terms of the Agreement under section 201(3) of the Act.
In relation to the undertaking at “6.”, the United Workers’ Union, a bargaining representative in this matter, has proposed that “Storeworkers” be understood to include “Jockeys, Storeworkers and Senior Storeworkers”. This is consistent with the statement of concerns initially raised with the parties. The Employer has consented to this proposal. The consent position is that undertaking “6” is to be read and applies as if the word “Storeworkers” means and includes “Jockeys, Storeworkers and Senior Storeworkers”.
Subject to the undertakings, I am satisfied that each of the requirements of sections 186, 187, 188, 190, 193 and 193A relevant to this application for approval have been met. The Agreement does not cover all the employees of the employer, however, taking into account the factors in sections 186(3) and (3A), I am satisfied that the group of employees was fairly chosen.
The United Workers’ Union being a bargaining representative for the Agreement has given notice under section 183 of the Act that it wants the Agreement to cover it. I therefore note the Agreement covers the organisation under section 201(2) of the Act.
The Agreement is approved today 24 April 2025. It will operate from 1 May 2025 as required by section 54 of the Act. The nominal expiry date is 30 April 2025.
COMMISSIONER
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Annexure A
- AGLC
- Superior Food Group Pty Ltd Trading AS Superior Food Services [2025] FWCA 1369
- Case
- [2025] FWCA 1369
- Decision Date
CaseChat Overview and Summary
The legal issues before the Commission involved verifying that the agreement was genuinely negotiated, met the requirements of the Fair Work Act, and was fair and reasonable. Specifically, the Commission had to examine whether the agreement provided for terms and conditions that were no less favourable than the relevant awards or safety net award and whether it was made in good faith and without coercion. Additionally, the Commission needed to assess whether the agreement complied with other legislative requirements, such as those relating to the prohibition of unfair dismissal and the protection of employees' rights to request flexible working arrangements.
After considering submissions from both parties and reviewing the contents of the agreement, the Commission found that the SFS Food Services Enterprise Agreement 2024 was genuinely negotiated and met the requirements of the Fair Work Act. The agreement was deemed fair and reasonable, providing terms and conditions that were at least as favourable as the relevant awards or safety net award. The Commission also concluded that the agreement was made in good faith and without coercion, and it complied with all other relevant legislative requirements. Consequently, the Commission approved the agreement.
The final orders of the Commission were that the SFS Food Services Enterprise Agreement 2024 be approved as a registered agreement under the Fair Work Act 2009. This decision allows the agreement to be applied to the employees of Superior Food Group Pty Ltd trading as Superior Food Services, providing a legally binding framework for their employment terms and conditions.
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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