| [2024] FWC 1198 |
| FAIR WORK COMMISSION |
| DECISION |
Fair Work Act 2009
s.437 - Application for a protected action ballot order
Australian Rail, Tram and Bus Industry Union
v
Transdev Sydney Pty Ltd
(B2024/512)
| DEPUTY PRESIDENT HAMPTON | SYDNEY, 8 MAY 2024 |
Proposed protected action ballot of employees of Transdev Sydney Pty Ltd
This is an application by the Australian Rail, Tram and Bus Industry Union (ARTBIU 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 Transdev Sydney Pty Ltd (Transdev or Employer).
On 8 May 2024, the Commission was advised that the Employer did not object to the Application.
In the circumstances, I have decided to determine the matter on the papers without holding a hearing.
On the basis of the material before me, including the declaration of Peter Grech, Division President, setting out the steps taken by the ARTBIU in bargaining with the Employer and that it has been, and is, genuinely trying to reach agreement with Transdev, 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.
The ballot is to be conducted by Democratic Outcomes Pty Ltd (CiVS). CiVS has been approved as an eligible protected action ballot agent under s.468A of the Act and consequently is authorised to conduct the ballot.
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 17 May 2024.[1] This also establishes the ballot period for the purpose of s.448A(2) of the Act.
An Order has been separately issued in PR774639.
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 for 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, seven (7) working days from the date of the Order, as sought in the application.
Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer
<PR774640>
- AGLC
- Australian Rail, Tram and Bus Industry Union v Transdev Sydney Pty Ltd [2024] FWC 1198
- Case
- [2024] FWC 1198
- Decision Date
CaseChat Overview and Summary
The legal issues before the Commission involved verifying whether the ARTBIU had met the necessary conditions for a protected action ballot, including proving genuine efforts to negotiate a new enterprise agreement. The Commission assessed the declaration by Peter Grech, Division President, who confirmed that the union had been genuinely trying to reach an agreement with Transdev. Furthermore, the Commission approved Democratic Outcomes Pty Ltd as the ballot agent under section 468A of the Act, ensuring the ballot's legitimacy. The Commission determined the voting period to close on 17 May 2024, establishing the ballot period for the purpose of section 448A(2) of the Act.
The Commission issued an order for the ballot to proceed, specifying the closing date for voting. Additionally, the matter was assigned to another Member of the Commission to conduct a compulsory conciliation conference, as mandated by section 448A. The order also required the attendance of all bargaining representatives for the proposed enterprise agreement at the conference, with potential directions to ensure meaningful negotiations took place. This decision aimed to facilitate further discussions between the ARTBIU and Transdev towards reaching a new enterprise agreement.
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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