Australian Rail, Tram and Bus Industry Union v KDR Victoria Pty Ltd T/A Yarra Trams

Case [2023] FWC 2709


[2023] FWC 2709

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 Rail, Tram and Bus Industry Union

v

KDR Victoria Pty Ltd T/A Yarra Trams

(B2023/1105)

DEPUTY PRESIDENT HAMPTON

ADELAIDE, 17 OCTOBER 2023

Application to extend the 30 day period in relation to B2023/945

  1. This matter concerns the declaration of the result of a protected action ballot (PR765917) held in matter B2023/945 and declared on 22 September 2023.

  1. The Australian rail, Tram and Bus Industry Union (RTBU) 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.”

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

  1. KDR Victoria Pty Ltd T/A Yarra Trams (Yarra Trams) 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 RTBU members employed by Yarra Trams be extended by a further 30 days.

  1. This order will operate on and from 17 October 2023.

DEPUTY PRESIDENT

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

< PR767328>

Details
AGLC
Australian Rail, Tram and Bus Industry Union v KDR Victoria Pty Ltd T/A Yarra Trams [2023] FWC 2709
Case
[2023] FWC 2709
Decision Date

CaseChat Overview and Summary

The Australian Rail, Tram and Bus Industry Union (RTBU) sought to extend the period during which industrial action could be authorised by a protected action ballot. The application was made under section 459(3) of the Fair Work Act 2009. The matter was heard by the Fair Work Commission, specifically by Deputy President Hampton. The application was in relation to a ballot held in matter B2023/945, the result of which was declared on 22 September 2023.

The key legal issue was whether the application complied with section 459(3) of the Act, which permits the Commission to extend the 30-day period in which industrial action is authorised by a ballot if the applicant has applied for an extension and the period has not already been extended. The RTBU argued that the application met all requirements and sought an additional 30-day extension. KDR Victoria Pty Ltd T/A Yarra Trams (Yarra Trams) did not object to the application. Deputy President Hampton concluded that the application met the statutory criteria and granted the extension.

Deputy President Hampton found that the requirements of the Act had been met, and thus granted the RTBU's application for an extension of the 30-day period. The decision was made under section 459(3) of the Fair Work Act 2009, and the extension was set to commence on 17 October 2023. This ruling effectively allows the RTBU to authorise industrial action for an additional 30 days beyond the initial ballot authorisation 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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