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

[2019] FWC 2706

[2019] FWC 2706

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
WestRock Oceania Pty Ltd
(B2019/320)

VICE PRESIDENT CATANZARITI SYDNEY, 18 APRIL 2019

Application to extend the 30-day period in relation to B2019/138.

[1] On 17 April 2019, the “Automotive, Food, Metals, Engineering, Printing and Kindred Industries Union” known as the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) (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, PR705191 (the Order) made on 21 February 2019. The Order applies to certain employees of Westrock Oceania Pty Ltd (the Respondent).

[2] The ballot result, by which a majority of the relevant employees endorsed the proposed forms of protected industrial action, was declared on 20 March 2019. 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 18 April 2019.

[3] On 18 April 2019, the Respondent advised the Commission via email that it does not oppose the AMWU’s application to extend the 30 day period for protected industrial action. Accordingly, I have determined the matter on the basis of the documentation filed.

[4] In addressing s.459(3) of the Act, this application is made by AMWU 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.

[5] 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 18 April 2019, the extension period will operate from 18 April 2019.

[6] An order has been separately issued in PR707220.

VICE PRESIDENT

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

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