Australian Workers' Union v Santos Ltd

[2022] FWC 2958

[2022] FWC 2958

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009

s.437—Protected action

Australian Workers’ Union
v

Santos Ltd

(B2022/1675)

DEPUTY PRESIDENT CLANCY MELBOURNE, 8 NOVEMBER 2022

Proposed protected action ballot of employees of Santos Ltd.

1. This is an application by the Australian Workers’ Union (Applicant) made under s.437 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Act) for a protected action ballot order in relation to certain employees of Santos Ltd (Respondent).

1. On 8 November 2022, my Associate was advised that the Respondent did not object to the application subject and that the parties had agreed to some amendments to the draft order.

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 Gary Henderson of the Applicant setting out the steps taken by it in bargaining with the Respondent and that it has been, and is, genuinely trying to reach agreement with the Respondent, I am satisfied that there is a notification time in relation to the proposed agreement and that the requirements in s.443(1) of the Act have been met.

2. The Applicant also sought that a person other than the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) be the ballot agent for the protected action ballot. This course was not opposed by the Respondent. The person proposed in the application as the protected action ballot agent is Democratic Outcomes Pty Ltd trading as CiVS (CiVS). Mr Michael M Michael, the Managing Director of CiVs has provided a statutory declaration setting out that he would carry out the functions of the protected ballot agent for CiVS, and that he has relevant experience in conducting protected action ballots. I am satisfied that CiVS is a fit and proper person to conduct the ballot. I am also satisfied that Mr Michael and CiVS are capable of ensuring the secrecy and security of the votes and of conducting the ballot expeditiously. CiVs has agreed to be the protected action ballot agent and Mr Michael and CiVS are bound to comply with the Privacy Act 1998 with respect to the handling of the information relating to the protected action ballot.

1. Therefore I appoint CiVS as the protected action ballot agent.

1. An order has been separately issued in PR747710.

DEPUTY PRESIDENT

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

<PR747709>