Application by Aurizon Operations Limited Trading AS Aurizon
Citation: [2026] FWCA 2318
What happened
Aurizon Operations Limited Trading As Aurizon sought approval for the Aurizon Coal Enterprise Agreement 2026. The agreement is a single enterprise agreement covering employees. The Australian Rail, Tram and Bus Industry Union (RTBU), Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Employees (AFULE), Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU), and Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia (CEPU) indicated they wished the agreement to cover them. Aurizon provided written undertakings.
What was decided
The Fair Work Commission approved the Aurizon Coal Enterprise Agreement 2026. The Commission was satisfied the agreement met the requirements of the Fair Work Act 2009. The agreement will operate from 19 October 2026 and expire on 19 October 2029. The undertakings provided by Aurizon are considered a term of the agreement. The more beneficial entitlements of the National Employment Standards (NES) will prevail in case of inconsistency.
What it means for employers
Employers should ensure any enterprise agreements they propose comply with the Fair Work Act 2009. Providing written undertakings can help address concerns and secure approval. Agreements must also consider the precedence of National Employment Standards (NES) entitlements.
What it means for employees
Employees covered by the Aurizon Coal Enterprise Agreement 2026 will have their terms and conditions of employment governed by this agreement. The agreement will operate from 19 October 2026 and expire on 19 October 2029.
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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