Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia, Electrical Division Queensland & Northern Territory Divisional Branch v Origin Energy Limited...

[2019] FWC 2945

[2019] FWC 2945

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009
s.459—Protected action

Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia, Electrical Division Queensland & Northern Territory Divisional Branch
v
Origin Energy Limited T/A Origin Energy
(B2019/351)

VICE PRESIDENT CATANZARITI SYDNEY, 1 MAY 2019

Application to extend the 30-day period in relation to B2019/155.

[1] On 30 April 2019, the Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia, Electrical Division Queensland & Northern Territory Divisional Branch (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, PR705319 made on 26 February 2019 and the amended order PR705373 made on 27 February 2019. The Order applies to certain employees of Origin Energy Limited T/A Origin Energy (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 29 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 27 April 2019.

[3] On 1 May 2019, the Respondent advised the Commission via email that it does not oppose the Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia, Electrical Division Queensland & Northern Territory Divisional Branch’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 the Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia, Electrical Division Queensland & Northern Territory Divisional Branch 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 27 April, the extension period will operate from 27 April.

[6] An order has been separately issued in PR707821.

VICE PRESIDENT

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