VIP Plastic Packaging Pty Ltd

[2020] FWCA 6047

[2020] FWCA 6047

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009
s.185—Enterprise agreement

VIP Plastic Packaging Pty Ltd
(AG2020/3241)

VIP PACKAGING ROWVILLE ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT 2020

Manufacturing and associated industries
COMMISSIONER HARPER-GREENWELL	MELBOURNE, 11 NOVEMBER 2020

Application for approval of the VIP Packaging Rowville Enterprise Agreement 2020.

[1] An application has been made for approval of an enterprise agreement known as the VIP Packaging Rowville Enterprise Agreement 2020 (the Agreement). The application was made pursuant to s.185 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (the Act). It has been made by VIP Plastic Packaging Pty Ltd. The Agreement is a single enterprise agreement.

[2] The Employer has provided written undertakings. A copy of the undertakings is attached in Annexure A. I am satisfied that 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. Pursuant to s.201(3), the undertakings are taken to be a term of the Agreement.

[3] Subject to the undertakings referred to above, I am satisfied that each of the requirements of ss.186, 187, 188 and 190 as are relevant to this application for approval have been met. The Agreement does not cover all of the employees of the employer, however, taking into account the factors in Section 186(3) and (3A) I am satisfied that the group of employees was fairly chosen.

[4] The Agreement lodged contained an error at clause 5. On 10 November 2020, the Applicant filed an amended version of the Agreement correcting this error. I am satisfied that the correction should be made and that it is appropriate to do so pursuant to s.586 of the Act.

[5] I observe that clause 12, 24, 25 and 34.2 of the Agreement are likely to be inconsistent with the National Employment Standards (NES). However, noting clause 5 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.

[6] The United Workers’ Union (UWU) being a bargaining representative for the Agreement, has given notice under s.183 of the Act that it wants the Agreement to cover it. In accordance with s.201(2) I note that the Agreement covers the organisation.

[7] The Agreement was approved on 11 November 2020 and, in accordance with s.54, will operate from 18 November 2020. The nominal expiry date of the Agreement is 31 October 2023.

COMMISSIONER

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Annexure A