Application by Sea1 Offshore Australia Pty Ltd
Citation: [2026] FWC 3250
What happened
Sea1 Offshore Australia Pty Ltd applied to the Fair Work Commission to approve its Engineer Officers Enterprise Agreement 2025. Sea1, previously using labour hire, wants to directly employ its own crew. The Australian Institute of Marine and Power Engineers (AIMPE) opposes the approval, arguing the Australian Workers Union (AWU) is not eligible to represent the employees covered by the agreement. The AWU contends it can represent the marine engineers.
What was decided
The Fair Work Commission approved the Sea1 Offshore Australia Pty Ltd Engineer Officers Enterprise Agreement 2025. The Commission dismissed the AIMPE’s objection. It found the AWU’s rules provide coverage for the employees covered by the agreement. The decision follows a similar approval of a related agreement.
What it means for employers
Employers entering into greenfields agreements should ensure all relevant unions are eligible to represent employees. Consult with unions early in the process to avoid disputes about union coverage. Understand the scope of union rules and how they apply to the workforce.
What it means for employees
Employees should be aware of which unions represent them and their rights under enterprise agreements. If there are disagreements about union representation, the Fair Work Commission can resolve these disputes.
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This summary was drafted from the published decision and reviewed before publishing. It is general information, not legal advice. For your specific situation, speak to the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified lawyer. About these summaries & corrections