UGL AND ETU VICTORIAN RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT 2025 - 2029

Application for approval of the UGL and ETU Victorian Rail Infrastructure Enterprise Agreement 2025 - 2029

[1] An application has been made for approval of an enterprise agreement known as the UGL and ETU Victorian Rail Infrastructure Enterprise Agreement 2025 - 2029 (Agreement). The application was made pursuant to s 185 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (Act). It has been made by UGL Engineering Pty Limited (Employer). The Agreement is a single enterprise agreement.

[2] The Employer has provided written undertakings. A copy of the undertakings is attached at Annexure A. 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. The undertakings are taken to be a term of the Agreement.

[3] Subject to the undertakings referred to above, I am satisfied that each requirement of ss 186, 187, 188 and 190 as are relevant to this application for approval have been met. For the purposes of the better off overall test, I have had regard to each of the matters in s 193A(2)-(7).

[4] I observe that the following clauses are likely to be inconsistent with the National Employment Standards (NES). However, noting clause 6.2 of the Agreement, I am satisfied that the more beneficial entitlements of the NES in the Act will prevail where there is an inconsistency between the Agreement and the NES:

• Compassionate leave under clause 17 of the Agreement does not appear to extend to instances of stillbirth or miscarriage as otherwise set out at s 104(1)(b) and (c) of the Act.

• Clauses 14.3(c) and 14.4(b) provide that annual leave loading is not payable on proportionate leave on termination where the employee is dismissed by the employer for reasons of malingering, inefficiency, neglect of duty, misconduct or refusing of duty. This appears to be inconsistent with s 90(2) of the Act.

[5] The Communication, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia, being a bargaining representative for the Agreement, supports the approval of the Agreement and 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.

[6] The Agreement is approved and, in accordance with s 54 of the Act will operate from 21 August 2025. The nominal expiry date of the Agreement is 31 March 2029.

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