ESCARE HOLDINGS PTY LTD ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT 2025

Application for approval of the Escare Holdings Pty Ltd Enterprise Agreement 2025

[1] An application has been made for approval of an enterprise agreement known as the Escare Holdings Pty Ltd Enterprise Agreement 2025 (the Agreement). The application was made pursuant to s.185 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (the Act). It has been made by Escare Holdings Pty Ltd trading as Cadell Food Service. The Agreement is a single enterprise agreement.

[2] The United Workers' Union is a bargaining representative for the Agreement and noted in their form F18 that the overtime meal allowance and casual loading provisions in the Agreement are less beneficial than the Award.[1] The union otherwise support approval of the Agreement and did not wish to express a view about whether the Agreement passes the better off overall test. Having reviewed the application and materials, I am satisfied on an overall basis that the Agreement passes the better off overall test.

[3] I am satisfied that each of the requirements of ss.186, 187, 188, 193 and 193A 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 ss.186(3) and (3A) I am satisfied that the group of employees was fairly chosen.

[4] I observe that clause 11.3 of the Agreement is likely to be inconsistent with the National Employment Standards (NES). However, noting clause 7 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] Pursuant to s.202(4) of the Act, the model flexibility term prescribed by the Fair Work (Model Terms) Determination 2025 is taken to be a term of the Agreement.

[6] The United 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) I note that the Agreement covers the organisation.

[7] The Agreement is approved and in accordance with s.54, will operate from 29 September 2025. The nominal expiry date of the Agreement is 30 June 2028.

[1] Storage Services and Wholesale Award 2020.

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