"Automotive, Food, Metals, Engineering, Printing and Kindred Industries Union" known as the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union (AMWU) v Northern SEQ Distributor Retailer Authority

[2024] FWC 1174

[2024] FWC 1174

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009

s.437 - Application for a protected action ballot order

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

Northern SEQ Distributor – Retailer Authority

(B2024/508)

DEPUTY PRESIDENT HAMPTON ADELAIDE, 7 MAY 2024

Proposed protected action ballot of employees of Northern SEQ Distributor – Retailer Authority

1. This is an application by the “Automotive, Food, Metals, Engineering, Printing and Kindred Industries Union” known as the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU 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 Northern SEQ Distributor Retailer Authority trading as UnityWater (UnityWater or Employer).

1. I note that the Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia have made a separate application for a protected action ballot order in relation the same proposed agreement.[1]

1. On 6 May 2024, the Commission was advised that the Employer 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 Daniel William Lacey, Organiser, setting out the steps taken by the AMWU in bargaining with the Employer and that it has been, and is, genuinely trying to reach agreement with UnityWater, 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 Democratic Outcomes Pty Ltd (CiVS). CiVS has been approved as an eligible protected action ballot agent under s.468A of the Act and consequently is authorised to conduct the ballot.

2. 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 21 May 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 PR774560.

1. This matter will be assigned to another Member of the Commission to conduct the s.448A compulsory conciliation conference along with the other related matter B2024/507. That Member will issue an Order requiring their attendance 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] B2024/507.

[2] This is, in effect, ten (10) working days from the date of the Order, as sought in the application.

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

<PR774561>