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

Case [2023] FWC 2708


[2023] FWC 2708

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

(B2023/1104)

DEPUTY PRESIDENT HAMPTON

ADELAIDE, 17 OCTOBER 2023

Application to extend the 30 day period in relation to B2023/948

  1. This matter concerns the declaration of the result of a protected action ballot (PR765940) held in matter B2023/948 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.”

  1. 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

<PR767327>

Details
AGLC
Australian Rail, Tram and Bus Industry Union v KDR Victoria Pty Ltd T/A Yarra Trams [2023] FWC 2708
Case
[2023] FWC 2708
Decision Date

CaseChat Overview and Summary

The Australian Rail, Tram and Bus Industry Union (RTBU) has applied to the Fair Work Commission (FWC) to extend the 30-day period for industrial action authorised by a protected action ballot. The application was made in relation to industrial action by employees of KDR Victoria Pty Ltd T/A Yarra Trams (Yarra Trams). The application seeks an extension under section 459(3) of the Fair Work Act 2009. The Commission has the discretion to extend the 30-day period if the requirements of the Act are met and if the period has not previously been extended. Yarra Trams did not object to the application.

The central legal issue before the Deputy President was whether the requirements of section 459(3) of the Act had been met to allow the extension of the 30-day period. The requirements are that the applicant must be an applicant for the protected action ballot order, and that the period has not previously been extended. The RTBU satisfied both requirements as it was an applicant for the ballot order and the period had not previously been extended.

The Deputy President found that the requirements of section 459(3) had been met. Yarra Trams had not objected to the application. Therefore, the Deputy President ordered that the 30-day period for the commencement of protected industrial action be extended by a further 30 days, effective from 17 October 2023. The Deputy President granted the RTBU's application to extend the 30-day period under section 459(3) of the Act.

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

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Ratio Decidendi

Legal Principle Established

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