Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia v Downer EDI Engineering Electrical Pty Ltd

[2023] FWC 68

[2023] FWC 68

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
v

Downer EDI Engineering Electrical Pty Ltd

(B2023/17)

VICE PRESIDENT CATANZARITI SYDNEY, 11 JANUARY 2023

Application to extend the 30 day period in relation to B2022/1655

1. On 10 January 2023, the Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia (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, PR747651 made on 4 November 2022. The Order applies to certain employees of Downer EDI Engineering Electrical Pty Ltd (the Respondent).

1. The ballot result, by which a majority of the relevant employees endorsed the proposed forms of protected industrial action, was declared on 12 December 2022. 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 11 January 2023.

1. On 10 January 2023, the Respondent advised the Commission via email that it does not oppose the Applicant’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.

1. 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 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.

1. 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 11 January 2023, the extension period will operate from 11 January 2023.

1. An order has been separately issued in PR749540.

VICE PRESIDENT

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

<PR749541>