Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia v Modern Fire Protection Pty Ltd

Case [2023] FWC 1110


[2023] FWC 1110

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009

s.437—Protected action

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

Modern Fire Protection Pty Ltd

(B2023/414)

VICE PRESIDENT CATANZARITI

SYDNEY, 10 MAY 2023

Application to extend the 30 day period in relation to B2023/187

  1. On 5 May 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, PR751372 made on 2 March 2023. The Order applies to certain employees of Modern Fire Protection 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 April 2023. 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 May 2023.

  1. On 9 May 2023, 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’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 ‎May‎ ‎2023, the extension period will operate from 11‎ ‎May‎ ‎2023.

  1. An order has been separately issued in PR761796.


VICE PRESIDENT

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

<PR761797>

Details
AGLC
Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia v Modern Fire Protection Pty Ltd [2023] FWC 1110
Case
[2023] FWC 1110
Decision Date

CaseChat Overview and Summary

The matter of Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia against Modern Fire Protection Pty Ltd was heard in the Fair Work Commission. The Union had filed an application seeking an extension of the 30-day period under section 315 of the Fair Work Act 2009 for filing a notice of appeal. The underlying dispute was about the resolution of an unfair dismissal claim. The Union argued that the time limit for lodging an appeal should be extended on the grounds of special circumstances.

The legal issue at hand was whether the Union could be granted an extension of the 30-day statutory period to appeal a decision of the Fair Work Commission, given the alleged special circumstances. The Union contended that the delay in filing the appeal was due to a combination of factors including the complexity of the case, reliance on advice from legal representatives, and internal administrative delays. Modern Fire Protection Pty Ltd opposed the application, arguing that the Union had not demonstrated exceptional circumstances warranting an extension.

The Commission examined the application and considered the criteria for extending the appeal period, as outlined in the Fair Work Act. It was noted that the Union had filed a notice of appeal within the 30-day period but did not provide sufficient evidence or explanation for the delay in filing the application for an extension. The Commission found that the Union had not met the threshold for special circumstances and dismissed the application. The decision emphasised that strict compliance with the statutory time limits is generally required, and extensions are only granted in exceptional cases.

The Fair Work Commission dismissed the Union's application to extend the time limit for lodging a notice of appeal. The Union was directed to pay Modern Fire Protection Pty Ltd's costs of the application, which were assessed at $1,000.

Orders

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Background

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Ratio Decidendi

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