Australian Maritime Officers' Union, The v Solstad Australia Pty Ltd T/A Solstad Offshore ASA

Case [2023] FWC 1841


[2023] FWC 1841

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009

s.459 - Application to extend the 30 day period in which industrial action is authorised by protected action ballot

Australian Maritime Officers' Union, The
v

Solstad Australia Pty Ltd T/A Solstad Offshore ASA

(B2023/741)

DEPUTY PRESIDENT HAMPTON

ADELAIDE, 26 JULY 2023

Application to extend the 30 day period in relation to B2023/554.

  1. This matter concerns the declaration of the result of a protected action ballot (PR763045) held in matter B2023/554 and declared on 29 June 2023.

  1. The Australian Maritime Officers’ Union (AMOU) 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 AMOU contends that each of the relevant requirements have been met and that the period should be extended by a further 30 days.

  1. Solstad Australia Pty Ltd T/A Solstad Offshore ASA 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 AMOU members employed by Solstad Australia Pty Ltd T/A Solstad Offshore ASA be extended by a further 30 days.

  1. This order will operate on and from 26 July 2023.


DEPUTY PRESIDENT

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

<PR764607>

Details
AGLC
Australian Maritime Officers' Union, The v Solstad Australia Pty Ltd T/A Solstad Offshore ASA [2023] FWC 1841
Case
[2023] FWC 1841
Decision Date

CaseChat Overview and Summary

The Australian Maritime Officers' Union (AMOU) applied to the Fair Work Commission to extend the 30-day period in which industrial action could be authorised by a protected action ballot. The application related to the result of a ballot held and declared on 29 June 2023. Solstad Australia Pty Ltd T/A Solstad Offshore ASA did not object to the application. The legal issue before the court was whether the requirements of section 459(3) of the Fair Work Act 2009 had been met, which would allow the Commission to extend the 30-day period by a further 30 days.

The court found that the AMOU had satisfied the requirements of section 459(3) of the Act, as the period had not previously been extended and the AMOU had made an application to the Fair Work Commission for the period to be extended. Accordingly, the court granted the application and extended the 30-day period for the commencement of protected industrial action for eligible AMOU members employed by Solstad Australia Pty Ltd T/A Solstad Offshore ASA by a further 30 days. The order took effect from 26 July 2023.

This decision is significant as it provides clarity on the requirements for extending the 30-day period for protected industrial action under the Fair Work Act 2009. The court's decision highlights the importance of meeting the requirements of section 459(3) of the Act in order to extend the 30-day period. The decision also provides guidance on the process for applying to the Fair Work Commission to extend the 30-day period.

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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