Bullock v The Federated Furnishing Trades Society of Australasia (No 1)

The case Bullock v The Federated Furnishing Trades Society of Australasia (No 1) involved a dispute between an employer, Bullock, and a trade union, the Federated Furnishing Trades Society of Australasia. The crux of the matter was the union's actions during a strike, which were deemed to infringe upon certain trade practices. The dispute reached the court, where the primary focus was on whether an interim injunction should be granted to prevent the union from continuing its actions.

The legal issues at the heart of the case centred around the application of principles governing interim injunctions within the context of trade practices. The court was tasked with determining the appropriate criteria to be applied when considering the grant of such an injunction. This involved balancing the rights and obligations of both the employer and the union, as well as the potential impact of the union's actions on the broader economic interests at stake.

In its reasoning, the court outlined the principles to be considered when granting an interim injunction in trade practice disputes. The court emphasised the need for a clear demonstration of irreparable harm if the injunction were not granted, alongside a balance of convenience that favoured the party seeking the injunction. The court found that the union's actions met the stringent criteria required for an interim injunction, leading to the conclusion that the injunction should be granted. The appeal was allowed, and the union was ordered to pay costs.