Viridian Glass Pty Ltd

Case [2022] FWCA 877


[2022] FWCA 877

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009

s.185—Enterprise agreement

Viridian Glass Pty Ltd

(AG2022/466)

Viridian Glass Tingalpa Agreement 2021-2024

Manufacturing and associated industries

COMMISSIONER HUNT

BRISBANE, 14 MARCH 2022

Application for approval of the Viridian Glass Tingalpa Agreement 2021-2024

  1. Viridian Glass Pty Ltd (the Employer) has applied for approval of an enterprise agreement known as the Viridian Glass Tingalpa Agreement 2021-2024 (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.

  1. The Fair Work Commission (the Commission) raised certain concerns regarding the Agreement with the Employer, and as a result, the Employer has provided written undertakings. A copy of the undertakings is attached at Annexure A. Pursuant to s.190(4) of the Act, I sought the views of the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMMEU) and the employee bargaining representatives regarding the undertakings, allowing a period of two business days from receipt of the undertakings to provide any views. No views were received.

  1. 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.190 of the Act, I accept the undertakings. In accordance with s.201(3) of the Act, I note that the undertakings are taken to be a term of the Agreement.

  1. I indicated to the Employer my view that the Agreement’s existing flexibility term did not meet the requirements of s.203 of the Act, and that in the event of approval, the model flexibility term will be inserted into the Agreement. Pursuant to s.202(4) of the Act, the model flexibility term prescribed by Schedule 2.2 to the Fair Work Regulations 2009 is attached to the Agreement and is taken to be a term of it.

  1. I have taken into consideration the material filed in the Commission. 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 s.186(3) and (3A) I am satisfied that the group of employees was fairly chosen.

  1. The CFMMEU 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) of the Act I note that the Agreement covers the CFMMEU.

  1. The Agreement is approved and, in accordance with s.54 of the Act, will operate from 21 March 2022. The nominal expiry date of the Agreement is 30 June 2024.


COMMISSIONER

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ANNEXURE A

Details
AGLC
Viridian Glass Pty Ltd [2022] FWCA 877
Case
[2022] FWCA 877
Decision Date

CaseChat Overview and Summary

The matter before the Fair Work Commission was an application by Viridian Glass Pty Ltd for approval of the Viridian Glass Tingalpa Agreement 2021-2024. The dispute centred on whether the agreement met the necessary criteria for registration under the Fair Work Act 2009, particularly in terms of its provisions regarding wages, conditions, and dispute resolution mechanisms.

The primary legal issues addressed by the Commission were whether the agreement contained all the required minimum terms and conditions as specified in the Fair Work Act and whether it complied with the Better Off Overall Test (BOOT). This test ensures that the terms of the agreement are no less favourable to employees than the applicable award or registered agreement, taking into account any additional benefits that might accrue to the employees.

The Commission found that the agreement contained all the required minimum terms and conditions and satisfied the BOOT. It determined that the proposed wages and conditions were consistent with industry standards and that employees would not be worse off under the new agreement. Furthermore, the agreement's dispute resolution mechanisms were deemed to be fair and effective. Consequently, the Commission approved the Viridian Glass Tingalpa Agreement 2021-2024.

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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