DEGREE C PTY LTD ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT 2025 [ELECTRICAL, REFRIGERATION & MECHANICAL SERVICES DIVISIONS]

Application for approval of the the Degree C Pty Ltd Enterprise Agreement 2025 [Electrical, Refrigeration & Mechanical Services Divisions]

[1] Burles Consulting Pty Ltd (the Employer) has made an application, pursuant to s.185 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (the Act), for approval of a single enterprise agreement known as the Degree C Pty Ltd Enterprise Agreement 2025 [Electrical, Refrigeration & Mechanical Services Divisions] (the Agreement).

[2] The Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia (CEPU) 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.

[3] The following provisions may be inconsistent with the National Employment Standards (NES):

• Clause 24.1(a)(iii) of the Agreement provides that full-time employees will be provide with a maximum for 10 days personal leave which can be used to sick leave, carers leave or domestic violence leave. This is inconsistent with s.97 of the Act which provides personal leave is to be taken for sick or carers leave and s.106A of the Act which provides 5 days unpaid leave specifically in relation to family and domestic violence leave. Further, clause 24.1(b) states that part time employees are entitled to the same entitlements but on a pro rata basis, however s.106A of the Act allows for 5 days unpaid leave for all employees.

• Clause 28(b) of the Agreement provides that the employer and the employees may agree to substitute another day for any public holiday prescribed in this clause and that the consent of the majority of affected employees covered by this agreement shall constitute agreement. This appears to be inconsistent with s.115(3) of the Act, which provides that the substitution of a public holiday with another day may only occur by agreement between the employer and an individual employee, rather than a majority of employees.

[4] However, noting clause 6 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.

[5] The Agreement is approved and, in accordance with s.54 of the Act, will operate from 18 August 2025. The nominal expiry date of the Agreement is 26 August 2028.

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