Australian Maritime Officers' Union v Newcastle Port Corporation T/A Port Authority of New South Wales

[2023] FWC 2291

[2023] FWC 2291

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009

s.437 - Application for a protected action ballot order

Australian Maritime Officers' Union
v

Newcastle Port Corporation T/A Port Authority Of New South Wales

(B2023/959)

DEPUTY PRESIDENT HAMPTON ADELAIDE, 8 SEPTEMBER 2023

Proposed protected action ballot of employees of Newcastle Port Corporation T/A Port Authority of New South Wales

1. This is an application by the Australian Maritime Officers’ Union (AMOU or Applicant) made under s.437 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Act) for a protected action ballot order in relation to certain employees of Newcastle Port Corporation T/A Port Authority of New South Wales (Port Authority of New South Wales or Employer). 

1. On 8 September 2023, the Commission was advised, in effect, that the Port Authority of New South Wales did not object to the Application.

1. In the circumstances, I have decided to determine the matter on the papers without holding a hearing.

1. On the basis of the material before me, including the declaration of Mr Martin McEvilly on behalf of the AMOU, setting out the steps taken by the AMOU in bargaining with the Employer and that it has been, and is, genuinely trying to reach agreement with the Port Authority of New South Wales, I am satisfied that there is a notification time in relation to the proposed agreement and that all of the requirements in s.443(1) of the Act have been met.

1. The ballot is to be conducted by the Australian Electoral Commission. For the purposes of s.443(3)(c) of the Act, the Commission has determined that the date by which voting is to close is 23 October 2023.[1] This also establishes the ballot period for the purpose of s.448A(2) of the Act.

1. An order has been separately issued in PR766021.

1. This matter will be assigned to another Member of the Commission to conduct the s.448A compulsory conciliation conference. That Member will issue an Order requiring the attendance of all bargaining representatives involved in the proposed enterprise agreement at the conference. It is likely that Directions will also be issued to ensure that the parties attend the conference ready to conduct meaningful negotiations.

DEPUTY PRESIDENT

[1] This is, in effect, 30 working days from the making of the Order, which is the period required by the Australian Electoral Commission to conduct a ballot.

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<PR766022>