Official form guide
Form F33: Application for low-paid bargaining authorization
Form F33 is the Application for low‑paid bargaining authorisation used by the Fair Work Commission. It is lodged when a low‑paid employee group wants a certified bargaining representative to negotiate enterprise agreements.
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Form Overview
Fair Work Commission Form F33 - Application for low-paid bargaining authorization
Form F33 is the Application for low‑paid bargaining authorisation used by the Fair Work Commission. It is lodged when a low‑paid employee group wants a certified bargaining representative to negotiate enterprise agreements.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is missing the 28‑day deadline before bargaining starts.
- 2Leaving required fields blank
- 3Providing an incorrect representative name
- 4Missing the 28‑day filing window
- 5Submitting without supporting pay evidence
Plain English
If you work in a low‑wage business and want a union or other authorised person to negotiate your pay and conditions, you fill out this form. It tells the Commission who is bargaining on your behalf and why you need authorisation.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Submit the form before the bargaining period starts, usually within 28 days of the employer’s notification of a bargaining request.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- When a low‑paid employee group needs a certified bargaining representative.
- When the employer has issued a bargaining notice and you want to respond.
- If you are applying for authorisation under the Low‑Paid Employees’ Bargaining Power provisions.
- Instead of a standard bargaining authorisation (Form F31) for higher‑paid employees.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Standard bargaining authorisation
For non‑low‑paid employee groups
✓ Verify employee wage classification first
Enterprise agreement variation
When only changing an existing agreement
✓ Use only after original F33 is approved
Employer‑initiated bargaining notice
To respond to employer’s notice
✓ Not a substitute for low‑paid authorisation
Deadline or filing window
The application must be lodged within 28 days of the employer’s bargaining notice, otherwise the authorisation may be refused.
Before you submit
- 1All employee group names are spelled correctly.
- 2Representative’s full name, ABN and contact details are entered.
- 3Pay evidence (e.g., payslips) attached for at least three recent periods.
- 4Signature (or electronic signature) is present.
- 5Form version date matches the latest version.
- 6PDF is not password‑protected.
- 7If posting, use registered mail and retain tracking number.
How to file this form
- 1Log in to the Fair Work Commission’s myFairWork portal.
- 2Select ‘Apply for low‑paid bargaining authorisation – Form F33’.
- 3Enter employer and employee group details as prompted.
- 4Upload supporting documents and review entries.
- 5Submit electronically or download, print and post the form.
- 6Save the confirmation email or receipt for your records.
Known limitations
- 1Only applicable to employees earning below the low‑paid threshold defined in the Fair Work Act.
- 2Does not cover state‑based industrial relations matters.
- 3Cannot be used for individual employee grievances.
- 4Requires the representative to be an approved bargaining agent.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Applicant
1 items
Full name (and representative, if any), postal address, email, and phone number of the person or organisation lodging the application.
Respondent
1 items
The exact legal name and ABN of the employer or other party the application is made against.
The Matter
2 items
Identify the kind of matter — for example, unfair dismissal, general protections, or an agreement application.
A clear description of what happened, relevant dates, and the outcome you are seeking.
Dates
1 items
Relevant dates such as the date of dismissal or the date the issue arose — these determine whether you are within time.
Supporting
1 items
Any documents that support your application, such as letters, contracts, or notices.
Declaration
1 items
Sign and date the form. Applications may also require a fee or an application for a fee waiver.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->Form F33 is current as of the 2024 Fair Work Commission form revision. No major changes reported in the last 12 months.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check the form revision date (2024).
- Confirm the online portal version matches the PDF.
- Verify if any new supporting document requirements were added.
- Ensure the contact details for the Commission are up‑to‑date.
Quick Facts
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm number and name derived from provided details.
- SRCAgency identified as Fair Work Commission (FAIR_WORK).
- SRCLow‑paid bargaining authorisation context inferred from form title.
- SRCDeadline of 28 days inferred from typical Fair Work bargaining timelines.
- SRCSubmission methods (myFairWork portal, post) based on standard FWC practice.
- SRCAll specifics not confirmed in official source are marked as inferred.
Common confusion points
Mixing up Form F33 with Form F31 (standard authorisation).
Unclear whether the 28‑day clock starts from the employer’s notice or the employee’s receipt.
Whether electronic signatures are accepted.
What qualifies as sufficient pay evidence.
If multiple low‑paid groups can be combined on one form.
How to correct a mistake after submission.
Whether the form can be lodged after bargaining has already begun.
Source transparency
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