[2015] FWCD 5480
DECISION
| Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009 |
| s.159—Alteration of other rules of organisation |
Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal,
Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia
(R2015/156)
| MR ENRIGHT | MELBOURNE, 12 AUGUST 2015 |
| Alteration of other rules of organisation. |
[1] On 9 July 2015, the Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information,
Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia (CEPU) lodged with the Fair Work
Commission (Commission) a notice and declaration setting out particulars of alterations to the
rules of the CEPU – Section A (the National Rules)
[2] The particulars set out alterations to rules 7, 7A and 8 of the National Rules.
[3] The substance of the alterations have previously been set out in notices of particulars
lodged by the CEPU on 17 April 2014 in matter R2014/82 and on 13 March 2015 in matter
R2015/53.
1
| [4] | As set out in my decision of 7 July 2015, | I formally refused to certify the alterations |
in matter R2015/53 on the basis of my finding that the alterations had not been validly made.
In that decision, I also detailed the passage of the alterations in matter R2014/82 which
2
| culminated in the decision of a Full Bench of the Commission | quashing my decision of 24 |
3
| October 2014 | certifying them. |
[5] The declaration of Mr Allen Hicks, National Secretary, made on 9 July 2015 and
contained within the notice of particulars in accordance with regulation 126(2) of the Fair
Work (Registered Organisations) Regulations 2009 provides that the National Council made
the alterations during a special meeting held by teleconference on 30 June 2015. Crucially, Mr
Hicks states that, in accordance with rules 7.7 and 7.11 of the National Rules, each of the
three Divisions of the CEPU was represented by a majority of its National Councillors.
[6] On the information contained in the notice, including the declaration of Mr Hicks, I
am satisfied the alterations have been made under the rules of the organisation.
[7] In my opinion, the alterations comply with and are not contrary to the Fair Work
(Registered Organisations) Act 2009, the Fair Work Act 2009, modern awards and enterprise
agreements, and are not otherwise contrary to law. I certify accordingly under subsection
159(1) of the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009.
[2015] FWCD 5480
DELEGATE OF THE GENERAL MANAGER
Endnotes:
1
Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia
2
Hardisty v Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of
Australia [2015] FWCFB 960
3
Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia
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- Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia [2015] FWCD 5480
- Case
- [2015] FWCD 5480
- Decision Date
CaseChat Overview and Summary
The legal issues before the court were whether the alterations to the CEPU’s rules were validly made according to the rules of the organisation and whether they complied with the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009, the Fair Work Act 2009, modern awards, enterprise agreements, and other relevant laws. The court needed to assess the procedural validity of the rule changes and their compliance with the legislative framework governing union activities.
In examining the submissions, the court was satisfied that the alterations were made in accordance with the CEPU's own rules. The declaration from the National Secretary of the CEPU indicated that the alterations were made during a special meeting where a majority of the National Councillors from each of the three divisions of the CEPU were represented. The court found that these procedural requirements were met, and the alterations did not contravene any relevant legislation or agreements. Consequently, the court certified the alterations under subsection 159(1) of the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009.
No further orders were made beyond the certification of the alterations as valid.
Orders
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