Australian Workers' Union, The v The Smith's Snackfood Company Pty Ltd T/A the Smith's Snackfood Company

[2023] FWC 2414

[2023] FWC 2414

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009

s.437 - Application for a protected action ballot order

Australian Workers' Union, The

v

The Smith’s Snackfood Company Pty Ltd T/A The Smith’s Snackfood Company

(B2023/1000)

DEPUTY PRESIDENT HAMPTON ADELAIDE, 19 SEPTEMBER 2023

Proposed protected action ballot of employees of The Smith’s Snackfood Company Pty Ltd T/A The Smith’s Snackfood Company

1. This is an application by the Australian Workers’ Union (AWU 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 The Smith’s Snackfood Company Pty Ltd (Smith’s Snackfood or Employer). 

1. On 19 September 2023, the Commission was advised that Smith’s Snackfood, in effect did not object to the Application.

1. In the circumstances, I have decided to determine the matter on the papers without holding a hearing.

1. On the basis of the material before me, including the declaration of Mr Terry McQuilan, Organiser for the AWU, setting out the steps taken by the AWU in bargaining with the Employer and that it has been, and is, genuinely trying to reach agreement with Smith’s Snackfood, 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.  

1. The ballot is to be conducted by the Democratic Outcomes Pty Ltd T/A CiVS (CiVS). CiVS has been approved as an eligible protected action ballot agent under s 468A of the Act[1] and consequently is authorised to conduct the ballot.

1. 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 4 October 2023.[2] This also establishes the ballot period for the purpose of s.448A(2) of the Act.

1. An Order has been separately issued in PR766373.

1. 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 involved in 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] Democratic Outcomes Pty Ltd T/A CiVS [2023] FWC 1400

[2] This is, in effect, ten (10) working days from the date of effect of the Order and reflects the intended operation of the proposed order.

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

< PR766372>