Australian Workers' Union, The v Austube Mills Pty Ltd

[2019] FWC 3917

[2019] FWC 3917

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009
s.459—Protected action

Australian Workers’ Union, The
v
Austube Mills Pty Ltd
(B2019/442)

DEPUTY PRESIDENT DEAN SYDNEY, 5 JUNE 2019

Application to extend the 30-day period in relation to B2019/308.

[1] On 4 June 2019, the Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) made an application to the Fair Work Commission pursuant to s. 459(3) of the Fair Work Act 2009 to extend the 30 day period for protected action authorised by a protected action ballot order, PR707239 (the Order) made on 18 April 2019. The Order applies to certain employees of Austube Mills Pty Ltd (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 16 May 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 expired at midnight on 14 June 2019.

[3] On 5 June 2019, the Respondent advised the Commission via email that it does not oppose the AWU’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 AWU 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 expired at midnight on 14 June 2019, the extension period will operate from 14 June 2019.

[6] An order has been separately issued in PR709077.

DEPUTY PRESIDENT

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

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