Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia v Origin Energy Eraring Services Pty Limited T/A Origin Energy
[2025] FWC 254
•29 JANUARY 2025
| [2025] FWC 254 |
| 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
Origin Energy Eraring Services Pty Limited T/A Origin Energy
(B2025/163)
| DEPUTY PRESIDENT WRIGHT | SYDNEY, 29 JANUARY 2025 |
Proposed protected action ballot of employees of Origin Energy Eraring Services Pty Limited T/A Origin Energy
This is an application by the Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia (CEPU 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 Origin Energy Eraring Services Pty Limited trading as Origin Energy (Origin or Employer).
On 28 January 2025, the Commission was advised that the Employer, in effect, did not object to the Application.
In the circumstances, I have decided to determine the matter on the papers without holding a hearing.
On the basis of the material before me, including the declaration of Bradley McDougall, Organiser, setting out the steps taken by the CEPU in bargaining with the Employer and that it has been, and is, genuinely trying to reach agreement with Origin, 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.
The CEPU has sought a five day notice period for all industrial action the subject of the protected action ballot order which is not opposed by the Employer. In the circumstances, I am satisfied that there are exceptional circumstances justifying the period of written notice of action being longer than three working days. The protected action ballot order specifies a five day notice period as sought by the CEPU in accordance with s.443(5) of the Act.
The ballot is to be conducted by Vero Engagement and Voting Solutions Pty Ltd (Vero Voting). Vero Voting has been approved as an eligible protected action ballot agent under s.468A of the Act and consequently is authorised to conduct the ballot.
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 12 February 2025.[1] This also establishes the ballot period for the purpose of s.448A(2) of the Act.
An Order has been separately issued in PR783732.
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, 10 working days from the making of the Order and was the period sought in the application.
Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer
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