Australian Municipal, Administrative, Clerical and Services Union T/A the Services Union v Origin Energy Limited T/A Origin Energy

[2019] FWC 2959

[2019] FWC 2959

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009
s.459—Protected action

Australian Municipal, Administrative, Clerical and Services Union T/A The Services Union
v
Origin Energy Limited T/A Origin Energy
(B2019/354)

VICE PRESIDENT CATANZARITI SYDNEY, 2 MAY 2019

Application to extend the 30 day period in which industrial action is authorised by protected action ballot B2019/149.

[1] On 30 April 2019, the Australian Municipal, Administrative, Clerical and Services Union T/A The Services Union (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, PR705295 made on 26 February 2019. The Order applies to certain employees of Origin Energy Limited T/A Origin Energy (the Respondent).

[2] The ballot result, by which a majority of the relevant employees endorsed the proposed forms of protected industrial action, was declared on 29 March 2019. 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 27 April 2019.

[3] On 1 May 2019, the Respondent advised the Commission via email that it does not oppose the Australian Municipal, Administrative, Clerical and Services Union T/A The Services Union’s application to extend the 30 day period for protected industrial action. Accordingly, I have determined the matter on the basis of the documentation filed.

[4] In addressing s.459(3) of the Act, this application is made by the Australian Municipal, Administrative, Clerical and Services Union T/A The Services Union 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.

[5] 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 27 April 2019, the extension period will operate from 27 April 2019.

[6] An order has been separately issued in PR707844.

VICE PRESIDENT

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

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