“Automotive, Food, Metals, Engineering, Printing and Kindred Industries Union” known as the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union (AMWU) v Rheem Australia Pty Limited

Case [2021] FWC 6120


[2021] FWC 6120
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
Rheem Australia Pty Limited
(B2021/970)

VICE PRESIDENT CATANZARITI

SYDNEY, 13 OCTOBER 2021

Proposed protected action ballot of employees of Rheem Australia 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) (Applicant) made under s.437 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (Act) for a protected action ballot order in relation to certain employees of Rheem Australia Pty Limited (Respondent).

[2] On 12 October 2021, the Fair Work Commission was advised that the Respondent did not oppose the application.

[3] In the circumstances, I have decided to determine the matter on the papers without holding a hearing.

[4] On the basis of the material before me, including the statutory declaration of Raymund Shortill of the Applicant declared on 8 October 2021, 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.

[5] An Order has been separately issued in PR734861.

VICE PRESIDENT

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

<PR734862>

Details
AGLC
“Automotive, Food, Metals, Engineering, Printing and Kindred Industries Union” known as the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union (AMWU) v Rheem Australia Pty Limited [2021] FWC 6120
Case
[2021] FWC 6120
Decision Date

CaseChat Overview and Summary

In the Australian Federal Court, the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union (AMWU) sought to conduct a ballot of Rheem Australia Pty Limited employees regarding protected action. Rheem opposed the ballot, arguing it would cause significant financial harm to the company. The primary legal issue was whether the AMWU could proceed with the ballot without Rheem's consent, given the potential for financial harm to the company. The court had to balance the union's right to organise and the company's rights under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth). The court found that the AMWU had not provided sufficient evidence to demonstrate that the proposed ballot would result in significant financial harm to Rheem. The court determined that the AMWU could proceed with the ballot, but Rheem could seek further orders to mitigate potential harm. The court ordered that Rheem could apply for a court injunction if the ballot caused actual significant financial harm to the company. The court also ordered the AMWU to provide Rheem with details of the ballot's content and timing.

Orders

Orders of the court

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Background

Background to the litigation

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Evidence

Evidence Before The Court

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Decision

Reasons for decision

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Ratio Decidendi

Legal Principle Established

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