Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia v Cement Australia Holdings Pty Ltd

[2025] FWC 1071

[2025] FWC 1071

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
v

Cement Australia Holdings Pty Ltd

(B2025/631)

DEPUTY PRESIDENT HAMPTON ADELAIDE, 16 APRIL 2025

Proposed protected action ballot of employees of Cement Australia Holdings Pty Ltd

1. This is an application by the Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia (CEPU Tasmania or Applicant) made under s.437 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Act) for a protected action ballot order in relation to certain employees of Cement Australia Holdings Pty Ltd (Cement Australia or Employer).

1. On 15 April 2025, the Commission was advised that the Employer, in effect, did not object to the Application as amended to address some drafting issues.

1. In the circumstances, I have decided to determine the matter on the papers without holding a hearing.

1. On the basis of the material before me, including the declaration of Chris Clark, State Secretary, setting out the steps taken by CEPU Tasmania in bargaining with the Employer and that it has been, and is, genuinely trying to reach agreement with Cement Australia, I am satisfied that there is a notification time in relation to the proposed agreement and that all of  the requirements in s.443(1) of the Act have been met.

1. The ballot is to be conducted by the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC).

1. For the purposes of s.443(3)(c) of the Act, the Commission has determined that the date by which voting is to close is 3 June 2025.[1] This also establishes the ballot period for the purpose of s.448A(2) of the Act.

1. An Order has been separately issued in PR786165.

2. This matter will be assigned to another Member of the Commission to conduct the s.448A compulsory conciliation conference. That Member will issue an Order requiring the attendance of all bargaining representatives in the proposed enterprise agreement at the conference. It is likely that Directions will also be issued to ensure that the parties attend the conference ready to conduct meaningful negotiations.

DEPUTY PRESIDENT

[1] This is, in effect, 30 working days from the making of the Order, which is the minimum period required by the AEC.

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

<PR786167>