Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia v Robert Bosch (Australia) Pty Ltd

[2024] FWC 3536

[2024] FWC 3536

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

Robert Bosch (Australia) Pty Ltd

(B2024/1654)

DEPUTY PRESIDENT HAMPTON ADELAIDE, 19 DECEMBER 2024

Proposed protected action ballot of employees of Robert Bosch (Australia) Pty Ltd

1. 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 Robert Bosch (Australia) Pty Ltd (Robert Bosch or Employer).

1. I note that the “Automotive, Food, Metals, Engineering, Printing and Kindred Industries Union” known as the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU)[1] has made a separate application for a protected action ballot order in relation to the same proposed enterprise agreement.

1. On 18 December 2024, the Commission was advised that the Employer, in effect, did not object to the Application.

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 Chelsea Hill, Legal Assistant, 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 Robert Bosch, 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 Vero Engagement & 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.

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 10 January 2025.[2] This also establishes the ballot period for the purpose of s.448A(2) of the Act.

1. The structure of the draft order has been amended to reflect the Fair Work Commission’s standard template. In addition, the draft order contained certain “suggestions” for the ballot agent and these are not properly matters for an Order of this kind. Subject to the terms of the Order and the Act, and where appropriate, the ballot agent may consider them in the discharge of its obligations.

1. An Order has been separately issued in PR782615.

1. This matter will be assigned to another Member of the Commission to conduct the s.448A compulsory conciliation conference along with the other related matter. 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] B2024/1661.

[2] This is, in effect, 13 working days from the making of the Order and was the date sought in the application.

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

<PR782616>