Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia

[2015] FWC 8024

[2015] FWC 8024

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009
s.437 - Application for a protected action ballot order

Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia
(B2015/1636)

DEPUTY PRESIDENT ASBURY BRISBANE, 23 NOVEMBER 2015

Proposed protected action ballot of employees of Queensland Rail.

[1] This decision concerns an application made pursuant to s.437 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (the Act) by the Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia (the CEPU). The CEPU seeks a protected action ballot order in relation to certain employees of Queensland Rail (the Employer).

[2] On 20 November 2015 my Associate, at my request, wrote to the Employer requesting its view in relation to the application. The Employer has advised that it objects to the proposed orders sought by the CEPU, in the terms sought.

[3] The Employer submits that, pursuant to s.443(5) of the Act, the Commission should exercise the its discretion to extend the period of notice referred to in s.414(2)(a) of the Act to a period of 7 working days. The Employer submits that there are exceptional circumstances that would justify the extension of the notice period.

[4] Subsequent to the Employer raising its objection, the parties agreed that the Commission should deal with the matter on the same basis as a number of similar applications determined by me in 2011. The parties have agreed that should the Commission exercise the discretion pursuant to s.443(5) of the Act, it should do so in terms similar to those used in protected action ballots issued in 2011 involving these parties.

[5] I am satisfied, given the nature of the Employer’s operations, combined with the proposed timing of the industrial action for which authorisation is sought by way of the ballot, that there are exceptional circumstances to justify an extension of the notice period specified in s.414(2)(a) of the Act to 7 days.

[6] The CEPU has filed a Statement of Mr Peter Young in support of the application. Mr Young is an Organiser of the CEPU and is the officer of the CEPU who has responsibility for representing the industrial interests of members of the CEPU employed by the Employer.

[7] On the basis of the information contained in Mr Young’s Statement and the application I am satisfied that the requirements in ss443(1)(a) and (b) have been met and that, accordingly, an order must be made. An order [PR574221] based on the draft provided by the CEPU will issue at the same time as this decision.

DEPUTY PRESIDENT

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