| [2022] FWC 2127 |
| FAIR WORK COMMISSION |
| DECISION |
Fair Work Act 2009
s.459—Protected action
Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Employees
v
Pacific National (Qld) Pty Ltd
(B2022/1200)
| VICE PRESIDENT CATANZARITI | SYDNEY, 10 AUGUST 2022 |
Application to extend the 30 day period in relation to B2022/511
On 9 August 2022, the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Employees (Applicant) made an application to the Fair Work Commission (the Commission) pursuant to s. 459(3) of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (the Act) to extend the 30 day period for protected action authorised by a protected action ballot order, PR742262 made on 2 June 2022. The Order applies to certain employees of Pacific National (Qld) Pty Ltd (the Respondent).
The ballot result, by which a majority of the relevant employees endorsed the proposed forms of protected industrial action, was declared on 13 July 2022. Pursuant to s. 459(1)(d)(i) of the Act, the 30 day period for protected action commenced on the date of the declaration of the results of the ballot and therefore expires at midnight on 11 August 2022.
On 10 August 2022, the Respondent advised the Commission via email that it does not oppose the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Employees’ application to extend the 30 day period for protected industrial action. Accordingly, I have determined the matter on the basis of the documentation filed.
In addressing s.459(3) of the Act, this application is made by the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Employees who is the Applicant for which the protected action ballot order was issued. Furthermore, the period specified in s.459(1)(d)(i) has not been previously extended.
On that basis and on the material before me, I am satisfied that each of the relevant requirements of s.459 of the Act have been met and that a 30 day extension is appropriate. As the 30 day period expires at midnight on 11 August 2022, the extension period will operate from 11 August 2022.
An order has been separately issued in PR744678.
VICE PRESIDENT
Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer
<PR744679>
- AGLC
- Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Employees v Pacific National (Qld) Pty Ltd [2022] FWC 2127
- Case
- [2022] FWC 2127
- Decision Date
CaseChat Overview and Summary
The Commission assessed whether the Applicant's application met the criteria set out in section 459 of the Fair Work Act. Given the Respondent's lack of opposition and the fact that the specified period had not been extended previously, the Vice President was satisfied that the requirements for an extension were met. The application was made within the requisite timeframe, and the statutory criteria were met. Consequently, the Commission granted the extension, effective from 11 August 2022.
The decision was made on 10 August 2022, and an order was issued under PR744678. The 30-day period for protected action was extended by a further 30 days, meaning that protected action could now be taken until midnight on 10 September 2022. The Vice President's ruling was based on the documentation filed by the Applicant and the absence of opposition from the Respondent. The decision was straightforward, given the circumstances, and provided clarity on the permissible duration of the industrial action under the Act.
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