National Union of Workers v Qantas Airways Ltd [2013] FCA 976

FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

National Union of Workers v Qantas Airways Ltd [2013] FCA 976 Citation: National Union of Workers v Qantas Airways Ltd [2013] FCA 976

Parties: NATIONAL UNION OF WORKERS v QANTAS AIRWAYS LTD (ACN 009 661 901)

File number: NSD 1828 of 2012

Judge: COWDROY J

Date of judgment: 27 September 2013

Catchwords: INDUSTRIAL LAW – employees of respondent company formerly engaged under an enterprise bargaining agreement re-engaged under a new workplace determination as a result of a company restructure – applicant union alleging that such employees are more properly covered by the enterprise bargaining agreement – scope of industrial instruments – whether the enterprise bargaining agreement or the workplace determination prevails – employees duties following restructure characterised as more properly the subject of the workplace determination

Legislation: Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) ss 3, 21, 52, 54, 55, 224, 227, 266, 267, 277, 278

Cases cited: Amcor v Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (2005) 222 CLR 241 Australian Broadcasting Commission v Australasian Performing Rights Association Ltd (1973) 129 CLR 99 Carpenter v Corona Manufacturing Pty Ltd (2002) 122 IR 387 Kingmill Australia Pty Ltd t/a Thrifty Car Rental v Federated Clerks' Union of Australia (NSW Branch) (2001) 106 IR 217 J Fenwick & Company Pty Ltd v Merchant Service Guild of Australia (1973) 150 CAR 99 Kanes Hire Pty Ltd v Mitchell (2010) 203 IR 37 Kucks v CSR Limited (1996) 66 IR 182 TCN Channel 9 Pty Ltd v Hayden Enterprises Pty Ltd (1989) 16 NSWLR 130 Transport Workers' Union of Australia v Qantas Airways Limited [2012] FWAFB 6612