| [2022] FWC 3053 |
| 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
Visy Board Pty Ltd
(B2022/1730)
| DEPUTY PRESIDENT CLANCY | MELBOURNE, 17 NOVEMBER 2022 |
Proposed protected action ballot of employees of Visy Board Pty Ltd
This is an application by the "Automotive, Food, Metals, Engineering, Printing and Kindred Industries Union" known as the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union (Applicant) made under s.437 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Act) for a protected action ballot order in relation to certain employees of Visy Board Pty Ltd (the Respondent).
On 17 November 2022, my Associate was advised that the Respondent did not object to the application.
In the circumstances, I have decided to determine the matter on the papers without holding a hearing.
On the basis of the material before me, including the declaration of Ms Lorraine Cassin of the Applicant 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.
The Applicant also sought that a person other than the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) be the ballot agent for the protected action ballot. This course was not opposed by the Respondent. The person proposed in the application as the protected action ballot agent is Mr Anantha Anu of IRIQ Pty Ltd (IRIQ). Mr Anu has provided a statutory declaration setting out that he would carry out the functions of the protected ballot agent for IRIQ, and that he has relevant experience in conducting protected action ballots. I am satisfied that IRIQ is a fit and proper person to conduct the ballot. I am also satisfied that Mr Anu and IRIQ are capable of ensuring the secrecy and security of the votes and of conducting the ballot expeditiously. IRIQ has agreed to be the protected action ballot agent and Mr Anu and IRIQ are bound to comply with the Privacy Act 1998 with respect to the handling of the information relating to the protected action ballot.
An order has been separately issued in PR748016.
DEPUTY PRESIDENT
Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer
<PR748015>
- AGLC
- “Automotive, Food, Metals, Engineering, Printing and Kindred Industries Union” known as the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union (AMWU) v Visy Board Pty Ltd [2022] FWC 3053
- Case
- [2022] FWC 3053
- Decision Date
CaseChat Overview and Summary
The legal issues addressed in the decision revolved around the validity of the AMWU's application for a ballot order, the adequacy of the union's negotiation efforts with Visy Board Pty Ltd, and the suitability of the proposed ballot agent. The court had to determine if the union had genuinely attempted to reach an agreement with the employer and if the notification period for the proposed agreement had been met. Additionally, the appropriateness of the proposed ballot agent, Mr Anantha Anu of IRIQ Pty Ltd, needed to be assessed, including his experience and capability to conduct the ballot in a secure and efficient manner.
The Deputy President concluded that the AMWU had genuinely engaged in negotiations and met the notification time for the proposed agreement, fulfilling the requirements of section 443(1) of the Act. The court was satisfied with Mr Anu's declaration and his relevant experience in conducting protected action ballots, deeming IRIQ Pty Ltd a fit and proper person to act as the ballot agent. The decision confirmed that IRIQ Pty Ltd and Mr Anu were capable of ensuring the secrecy and security of the votes and would conduct the ballot expeditiously. The court also noted that IRIQ Pty Ltd agreed to comply with the Privacy Act 1998 concerning the handling of information related to the ballot.
The final orders included the granting of the AMWU's application for a ballot order and the appointment of IRIQ Pty Ltd, with Mr Anantha Anu as the ballot agent, subject to compliance with the Privacy Act 1998. This decision ensured that the union could proceed with the ballot under the oversight of a qualified agent, facilitating the democratic process within the workplace.
Orders
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Background
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Evidence
Evidence Before The Court
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Decision
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Ratio Decidendi
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