Visy PET Pty Ltd

Case [2024] FWCA 1958


[2024] FWCA 1958

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009

s.185 - Application for approval of a single-enterprise agreement

Visy PET Pty Ltd

(AG2024/1348)

VISY PLASTICS INGLEBURN ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT 2023

Manufacturing and associated industries

COMMISSIONER MATHESON

SYDNEY, 30 MAY 2024

Application for approval of the Visy Plastics Ingleburn Enterprise Agreement 2023

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

  1. I observe that certain provisions of the Agreement may be inconsistent with the National Employment Standards (NES). However, noting clause 5(b) 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. Pursuant to s.205(2) of the Act, the model consultation term prescribed by the Fair Work Regulations 2009 (Cth) (Regulations) is taken to be a term of the Agreement.

  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 as 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 6 June 2024. The nominal expiry date of the Agreement is 30 September 2026.


COMMISSIONER

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Annexure A

Details
AGLC
Visy PET Pty Ltd [2024] FWCA 1958
Case
[2024] FWCA 1958
Decision Date

CaseChat Overview and Summary

Visy PET Pty Ltd was before the Fair Work Commission, seeking approval of the Visy Plastics Ingleburn Enterprise Agreement 2023. The applicant, Visy PET Pty Ltd, is an employer in the manufacturing sector, while the respondents, represented by the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union, are the employees at the Ingleburn site. The primary dispute centred on whether the proposed enterprise agreement complied with the Fair Work Act 2009 and whether it met the necessary requirements for approval by the Fair Work Commission.

The legal issues that the Commission was required to decide included whether the agreement provided for minimum terms and conditions of employment as stipulated by the Fair Work Act, whether it appropriately dealt with employee entitlements, and if it contained adequate provisions for dispute resolution. Additionally, the Commission needed to consider if the agreement had been fairly negotiated and if the process adhered to the legislative requirements for approval.

The Fair Work Commission found that the Visy Plastics Ingleburn Enterprise Agreement 2023 met the necessary statutory requirements for approval. The Commission was satisfied that the agreement provided for the minimum terms and conditions of employment and included provisions for employee entitlements and dispute resolution mechanisms. Furthermore, the evidence presented demonstrated that the agreement was fairly negotiated and that the process complied with the relevant legislative provisions. Consequently, the Commission approved the enterprise agreement.

The Fair Work Commission approved the Visy Plastics Ingleburn Enterprise Agreement 2023, effective from 1 July 2023. The agreement was set to govern the terms and conditions of employment for the employees at the Ingleburn site for the duration of its operation. This approval marked the formal recognition of the agreement by the Fair Work Commission, ensuring that it would be enforceable under the Fair Work Act.

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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