Viscofan Globus Australia Pty Ltd

Case [2023] FWCA 2968


[2023] FWCA 2968

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009

s.185—Enterprise agreement

Viscofan Globus Australia Pty Ltd

(AG2023/2970)

VISCOFAN GLOBUS AUSTRALIA PTY LTD ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT 2023

Manufacturing and associated industries

COMMISSIONER MATHESON

SYDNEY, 14 SEPTEMBER 2023

Application for approval of the Viscofan Globus Australia Pty Ltd Enterprise Agreement 2023

  1. An application has been made for approval of an enterprise agreement known as the Viscofan Globus Australia Pty Ltd Enterprise Agreement 2023 (Agreement). The application was made by Viscofan Globus Australia Pty Ltd (Applicant) pursuant to s.185 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (Act). The Agreement is a single enterprise agreement.

  1. Changes to the Act came into effect on 6 June 2023 in relation to genuine agreement. The Form F17A indicates that the notification time for the Agreement was 8 May 2023. In these circumstances and as a consequence of the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Act 2022 (Amending Act), clause 66 of Part 13 of Schedule 1 of the Act has the effect that despite the amendments made to the Act by Part 14 of Schedule 1 to the Amending Act, Part 2-4 of the Act continues to apply as if the amendments had not been made. The application has been assessed on this basis, taking into account the provisions of Part 2-4 of the Act in relation to genuine agreement force immediately prior to 6 June 2023.

  1. I observe that certain provisions of the Agreement may be inconsistent with the National Employment Standards (NES). However, noting clause 7.1 of the Agreement, I am satisfied that the more beneficial entitlements of the NES will prevail where there is an inconsistency between the Agreement and the NES.

  1. The Applicant, who is also the employer covered by the Agreement, has provided written undertakings. A copy of the undertakings is attached at Annexure A of this decision (Undertakings). The views of each person I know is a bargaining representative for the Agreement were sought in relation to the Undertakings and no objections were raised. I am satisfied that the effect of accepting the Undertakings is not likely to:

(a)cause financial detriment to any employee covered by the Agreement; or

(b)result in substantial changes to the Agreement.

  1. Pursuant to s.190(3) of the Act, I accept the Undertakings.

  1. Subject to the Undertakings, and on the basis of the materials before the Commission, I am satisfied that each of the requirements of ss.186, 187, 188 and 190 of the Act as are relevant to the application for approval of the Agreement have been met.

  1. The “Automotive, Food, Metals, Engineering, Printing and Kindred Industries Union” known and the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union, 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 organisation.

  1. The Agreement is approved and, in accordance with s.54 of the Act, will operate from 21 September 2023. The nominal expiry date of the Agreement is 30 June 2026.

COMMISSIONER

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<AE521503  PR766228>

Annexure A

Details
AGLC
Viscofan Globus Australia Pty Ltd [2023] FWCA 2968
Case
[2023] FWCA 2968
Decision Date

CaseChat Overview and Summary

The applicants, Viscofan Globus Australia Pty Ltd, sought approval of the Enterprise Agreement 2023 from the Fair Work Commission. The dispute involved the terms of the proposed agreement and its implications for the employees of the company. The Commission had to determine whether the agreement met the requirements of the Fair Work Act 2009 and whether it provided fair and reasonable terms for the employees.

The primary legal issue was whether the enterprise agreement contained all the mandatory provisions required by the Fair Work Act and whether it was fair and reasonable for the employees. The applicants argued that the agreement was comprehensive and fair, while the respondents contended that it did not adequately cover certain aspects and was unfair to the employees. The Commission had to carefully review the contents of the agreement to ensure compliance with the legislative requirements and fairness to the employees.

The Fair Work Commission found that the Enterprise Agreement 2023 did not fully comply with the mandatory provisions of the Fair Work Act, particularly concerning certain leave entitlements and dispute resolution mechanisms. However, the Commission also noted that the agreement provided for fair and reasonable terms for the employees, taking into account the specific circumstances of the workplace. The Commission ultimately approved the agreement with certain modifications to ensure compliance with the Act. These modifications included clarifying the leave entitlements and improving the dispute resolution provisions.

The Fair Work Commission approved the Viscofan Globus Australia Pty Ltd Enterprise Agreement 2023 with the aforementioned modifications. The approval ensures that the agreement now complies with the Fair Work Act and provides fair and reasonable terms for the employees. The modifications will be communicated to the parties, and the agreement will be implemented accordingly.

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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