| [2022] FWC 2170 |
| FAIR WORK COMMISSION |
| DECISION |
Fair Work Act 2009
s.459—Protected action
“Automotive, Food, Metals, Engineering, Printing and Kindred Industries Union” known as the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU)
v
Knorr-Bremse Australia Pty Limited
(B2022/1208)
| VICE PRESIDENT CATANZARITI | SYDNEY, 16 AUGUST 2022 |
Application to extend the 30 day period in relation to B2022/502
On 10 August 2022, the “Automotive, Food, Metals, Engineering, Printing and Kindred Industries Union” known as the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) - New South Wales Branch (Applicant) made an application to the Fair Work Commission (the Commission) pursuant to s. 459(3) of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (the Act) to extend the 30 day period for protected action authorised by a protected action ballot order, PR742171 made on 31 May 2022. The Order applies to certain employees of Knorr-Bremse Australia Pty Limited (the Respondent).
The ballot result, by which a majority of the relevant employees endorsed the proposed forms of protected industrial action, was declared on 13 July 2022. 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 11 August 2022.
On 16 August 2022, the Respondent neither consented nor objected to the application to extend the 30 day period for protected industrial action. Accordingly, I have determined the matter on the basis of the documentation filed.
In addressing s.459(3) of the Act, this application is made by the AMWU 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.
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 11 August 2022, the extension period will operate from 11 August 2022.
An order has been separately issued in PR744838.
VICE PRESIDENT
Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer
<PR744839>
- AGLC
- “Automotive, Food, Metals, Engineering, Printing and Kindred Industries Union” known as the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union (AMWU) v Knorr-Bremse Australia Pty Limited [2022] FWC 2170
- Case
- [2022] FWC 2170
- Decision Date
CaseChat Overview and Summary
The legal issues before the court involved interpreting and applying section 459 of the Fair Work Act 2009. Specifically, the court needed to determine whether the AMWU had met the requirements for extending the 30-day period for protected action. The court also had to consider whether the extension was appropriate based on the material presented. The AMWU argued that the extension was necessary to ensure that the employees' rights were protected and that the protected action could be effectively carried out.
The court found that the AMWU had met the requirements for extending the 30-day period for protected action. The court noted that the 30-day period had not been previously extended and that the application was made by the AMWU, which was the applicant for the protected action ballot order. The court was satisfied that each of the relevant requirements of section 459 of the Act had been met and that a 30-day extension was appropriate. The court granted the AMWU's application and extended the 30-day period for protected action from 11 August 2022.
The Fair Work Commission issued an order in PR744838, granting the AMWU's application for an extension to the 30-day period for protected action. The extension period will operate from 11 August 2022, and the AMWU can now take protected action for an additional 30 days. This decision provides clarity on the interpretation and application of section 459 of the Fair Work Act 2009 and ensures that employees' rights are protected.
Orders
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Background
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