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

[2015] FWC 1849

[2015] FWC 1849

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
Schweppes Australia Pty Ltd
(B2015/51)

DEPUTY PRESIDENT KOVACIC MELBOURNE, 18 MARCH 2015

Proposed protected action ballot of employees of Schweppes Australia Pty Ltd.

[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 (the Act) for a protected action ballot order in relation to certain employees of Schweppes Australia Pty Ltd (the Respondent).

[2] The AMWU has provided a Statutory Declaration addressing the statutory grounds. That Statutory Declaration makes it clear that the parties have met on approximately four occasions since 3 December 2014 in an effort to negotiate the terms of an enterprise agreement and, whilst progress has been made, the parties are unable to reach agreement.

[3] On 18 March 2015 I was advised by Ms Kelly Pinsent, Employee Relations Consultant - Support Team, that the Respondent does not intend to oppose the application. In doing so, the Respondent did not challenge that the AMWU had been and was genuinely trying to reach agreement in respect of either site.

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

[5] On the basis of the material before me, I am satisfied that the requirements in s.443(1) of the Act have been met. Accordingly, I will make an order. The order [PR562124] is based on the draft order provided by the AMWU and will be issued in conjunction with this decision.

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

<Price code A, PR562123>