| [2023] FWC 86 |
| 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
Pentair Flow Technologies Pacific Pty Ltd
(B2023/19)
| VICE PRESIDENT CATANZARITI | SYDNEY, 12 JANUARY 2023 |
Application to extend the 30 day period in relation to B2022/1653
On 10 January 2023, the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (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, PR747625 made on 4 November 2022. The Order applies to certain employees of Pentair Flow Technologies Pacific Pty Ltd (the Respondent).
The ballot result, by which a majority of the relevant employees endorsed the proposed forms of protected industrial action, was declared on 12 December 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 expires at midnight on 11 January 2023.
On 10 January 2023, the Commission sought the Respondent’s views via email as to whether or not it opposed the application to extend the 30 day period for protected industrial action. To date, no response has been received from the Respondent. 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 Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union 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 expires at midnight on 11 January 2023, the extension period will operate from 11 January 2023.
An order has been separately issued in PR749608.
VICE PRESIDENT
Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer
<PR749609>
- AGLC
- “Automotive, Food, Metals, Engineering, Printing and Kindred Industries Union” known as the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union (AMWU) v Pentair Flow Technologies Pacific Pty Ltd [2023] FWC 86
- Case
- [2023] FWC 86
- Decision Date
CaseChat Overview and Summary
The legal issues before the court were whether the applicant met the requirements of section 459 of the Fair Work Act 2009 to extend the 30-day period for protected action and if the extension was appropriate. The court noted that the applicant had met all the relevant requirements, and the period had not been previously extended.
The court was satisfied that the application met the requirements of section 459 of the Fair Work Act 2009 and that a 30-day extension was appropriate. The extension period would operate from 12 January 2023, the day after the original 30-day period was set to expire. The court issued an order in PR749608 to grant the extension.
This decision highlights the importance of meeting the requirements of section 459 of the Fair Work Act 2009 when applying for an extension of the 30-day period for protected action. The court's decision to grant the extension demonstrates the importance of protecting the rights of employees to engage in protected industrial action.
Orders
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Background
Background to the litigation
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Evidence
Evidence Before The Court
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