Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia v South Australian Water Corporation T/A SA Water

[2021] FWC 4813

[2021] FWC 4813

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

STATEMENT

Fair Work Act 2009
s.418 - Applications for orders that industrial action by employees or employers stop etc.

Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia
v
South Australian Water Corporation T/A SA Water
(C2021/4526)

United Workers' Union
v
South Australian Water Corporation T/A SA Water
(C2021/4542)

COMMISSIONER HAMPTON ADELAIDE, 5 AUGUST 2021

[1] The Commission as presently constituted has been dealing with various applications involving the parties to these matters (and others) in the context of bargaining for a new enterprise agreement.

[2] On 4 and 5 August 2021 respectively, the Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia (CEPU) and the United Workers Union (UWU) each lodged a s.418 application seeking that orders be made against South Australian Water Corporation T/A SA Water in the context of industrial action notified by the two Unions.

[3] The 2 applications were the subject of a preliminary hearing this afternoon. Having heard from the parties I made some observations about the issues arising given the provisions of the Fair Work Act 2009 and the potential implications arising from the respective positions that had been advanced.

[4] In that light, the Commission invited all parties to step back from (withdraw) the present notices that each had provided and to resume negotiations facilitated directly by the Commission commencing next week. All parties agreed to that course of action.

[5] As a result, these 2 applications have been discontinued. Arrangements will now be made by the Commission for the negotiations to recommence.

[6] I welcome this development and commend the parties on their constructive approach.

COMMISSIONER

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