“Automotive, Food, Metals, Engineering, Printing and Kindred Industries Union” known as the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union (AMWU) v Associated Kiln Driers Pty. Limited T/A AKD Softwoods

[2023] FWC 1623

[2023] FWC 1623

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009

s.437—Protected action

“Automotive, Food, Metals, Engineering, Printing and Kindred Industries Union” known as the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU)
v

Associated Kiln Driers Pty. Limited T/A AKD Softwoods

(B2023/674)

DEPUTY PRESIDENT HAMPTON ADELAIDE, 5 JULY 2023

Proposed protected action ballot of employees of Associated Kiln Driers Pty. Limited.

1. This is an application by the “Automotive, Food, Metals, Engineering, Printing and Kindred Industries Union” known as the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) made under s.437 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Act) for a protected action ballot order in relation to certain employees of the Respondent, Associated Kiln Driers Pty. Limited T/A AKD Softwoods (AKD Softwoods or Respondent). 

1. On 5 July 2023, the Commission was advised that the Respondent 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 Stephen Fodrocy, Industrial Officer of the AMWU, setting out the steps taken by the AMWU in bargaining with the Respondent and that it has been, and is, genuinely trying to reach agreement with AKD Softwoods, 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 Australian Electoral Commission. For the purposes of s.443(3)(c) and s.448A(2) of the Act, a ballot period of 30 working days from the date of the Order (3 July 2023) has been established by this Commission.[1]  

1. An order has been separately issued in PR763916.

1. This matter will be assigned to another Member of the Commission to conduct the s.448A conference and this Member will issue the Order requiring attendance 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 the minimum period required by the Australian Electoral Commission.

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

<PR763915>