Australian Federation of Air Pilots v Offshore Services Australasia Pty Ltd T/A Offshore Services Australasia Pty Ltd

Case [2023] FWC 3119


[2023] FWC 3119

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009

s.459—Protected action

Australian Federation of Air Pilots
v

Offshore Services Australasia Pty Ltd T/A Offshore Services Australasia Pty Ltd

(B2023/1288)

DEPUTY PRESIDENT HAMPTON

ADELAIDE, 27 NOVEMBER 2023

Application to extend the 30 day period in relation to B2023/1094

  1. This matter concerns the declaration of the result of a protected action ballot (PR767255) held in matter B2023/1094 and declared on 31 October 2023.

  1. The Australian Federation of Air Pilots (AFAP or Applicant) has made an application pursuant to s.459(3) of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Act) to extend the 30 day period in which industrial action is authorised by the relevant protected action ballot.

  1. Section 459(3) of the Act provides as follows:

“(3) The FWC may extend the 30-day period referred to in subparagraph (1)(d)(i) by up to 30 days if:

(a) an applicant for the protected action ballot order applies to the FWC for the period to be extended; and

(b)     the period has not previously been extended.”

  1. The application made by the AFAP contends that each of the relevant requirements have been met and that the period should be extended by a further 30 days.

  1. Offshore Services Australasia Pty Ltd T/A Offshore Services Australasia Pty Ltd (Offshore) has advised the Commission it has no objection to this application.

  1. I am satisfied that the relevant requirements of the Act have been met and that the application should be granted.

  1. Accordingly, pursuant to section 459(3) of the Act, I order that the 30 day period for the commencement of protected industrial action for eligible AFAP members employed by Offshore be extended by a further 30 days.

  1. This order will operate on and from 27 November 2023.

DEPUTY PRESIDENT

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

<PR768715>

Details
AGLC
Australian Federation of Air Pilots v Offshore Services Australasia Pty Ltd T/A Offshore Services Australasia Pty Ltd [2023] FWC 3119
Case
[2023] FWC 3119
Decision Date

CaseChat Overview and Summary

The Australian Federation of Air Pilots (AFAP) sought to extend the 30-day period for protected industrial action authorised by a ballot held under the Fair Work Act 2009. The matter was before Deputy President Hampton of the Fair Work Commission in Adelaide. Offshore Services Australasia Pty Ltd (Offshore) did not object to the application. The central issue before the court was whether the conditions under section 459(3) of the Act were satisfied to justify an extension of the 30-day period for commencing industrial action.

The Deputy President examined whether the requirements of section 459(3) had been met, specifically that the applicant (AFAP) applied for the extension, and that the period had not been extended previously. Given that the AFAP had applied for the extension and no previous extension had been made, the Deputy President found that the application met the statutory criteria. The court acknowledged Offshore's lack of objection, which did not influence the decision but indicated no adverse impact from granting the extension.

Consequently, the Deputy President ruled in favour of the AFAP's application. The 30-day period for initiating industrial action by eligible AFAP members employed by Offshore was extended by a further 30 days. The order took effect from 27 November 2023, providing additional time for the AFAP to pursue its industrial objectives.

Orders

Orders of the court

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Background

Background to the litigation

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Evidence

Evidence Before The Court

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Decision

Reasons for decision

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Ratio Decidendi

Legal Principle Established

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