Australian Workers' Union v Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action

[2024] FWC 2991

[2024] FWC 2991

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009

s.437 - Application for a protected action ballot order

Australian Workers' Union
v

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action

(B2024/1399)

DEPUTY PRESIDENT WRIGHT SYDNEY, 28 OCTOBER 2024

Proposed protected action ballot of employees of the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action

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 Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA or Employer).

1. On 28 October 2024, the Commission was advised that the Employer, in effect, did not object to the Application and did not seek to be heard.

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 Ross Kenna, Lead Organiser, 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 DEECA, 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 Fair Vote Services Pty Ltd (FVS). FVS has been approved as an eligible protected action ballot agent under s.468A of the Act and consequently is authorised to conduct the ballot.[1]

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 12 November 2024.[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 PR780688.

2. The structure of the draft order has been amended to reflect the Fair Work Commission’s standard template.

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 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] [2024] FWC 1775.

[2] This is, in effect, 10 working days from the making of the Order and was the period sought in the application.

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