Australian Maritime Officers' Union, v Poseidon Sea Pilots Pty Ltd

Case [2023] FWC 2116


[2023] FWC 2116

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,
v

Poseidon Sea Pilots Pty Ltd

(B2023/869)

DEPUTY PRESIDENT HAMPTON

ADELAIDE, 23 AUGUST 2023

Application to extend the 30 day period in relation to B2023/636.

  1. This matter concerns the declaration of the result of a protected action ballot (PR763551) held in matter B2023/636 and declared on 2 August 2023.

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

  1. Poseidon Sea Pilots Pty Ltd (Poseidon) has not advised the Commission of any 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 Poseidon be extended by a further 30 days.

  1. This order will operate on and from 23 August 2023.


DEPUTY PRESIDENT

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

<PR765501>

Details
AGLC
Australian Maritime Officers' Union, v Poseidon Sea Pilots Pty Ltd [2023] FWC 2116
Case
[2023] FWC 2116
Decision Date

CaseChat Overview and Summary

The Australian Maritime Officers' Union (AMOU) has applied to the Fair Work Commission for an extension of the 30-day period during which industrial action is authorised by a protected action ballot. This application was made in relation to a previous matter, B2023/636, which was declared on 2 August 2023. The respondent, Poseidon Sea Pilots Pty Ltd, did not oppose the application. The primary issue before the Commission was whether the AMOU's application met the criteria for an extension under section 459(3) of the Fair Work Act 2009. Specifically, the AMOU needed to demonstrate that the 30-day period had not previously been extended, which it successfully did.

The Commission found that the AMOU's application satisfied the statutory requirements for an extension. The Deputy President, Hampton, determined that the 30-day period could be extended by an additional 30 days. This decision was based on the fact that the AMOU had applied for the extension within the prescribed timeframe and that the period had not been previously extended. The Commission did not find any grounds to refuse the application, given that Poseidon Sea Pilots Pty Ltd had not raised any objections. Consequently, the Deputy President ordered that the 30-day period for the commencement of protected industrial action by eligible AMOU members employed by Poseidon be extended by a further 30 days, effective from 23 August 2023.

Orders

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Background

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Evidence

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