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

[2023] FWC 3051

[2023] FWC 3051

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

Ventia Pty Ltd

(B2023/1277)

DEPUTY PRESIDENT HAMPTON ADELAIDE, 22 NOVEMBER 2023

Proposed protected action ballot of employees of Ventia 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 Ventia Pty Ltd (Ventia or Employer). 

1. I note that the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMMEU) has made a separate application for a protected action ballot order in relation to the same proposed agreement.[1]

1. On 20 November 2023, the Commission was advised that Ventia did not, in effect, object to the Application.

1. On 21 November 2023, the Commission emailed the parties, including those parties in B2023/1280, to clarify an inconsistency in how the Respondent was identified in each application. No objections were raised to the Commission’s proposal to consistently identify the Respondent as ‘Ventia Pty Ltd’. This application has been amended accordingly.

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 Mr Mark Mocerino, Union 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 Ventia, 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 the Democratic Outcomes Pty Ltd T/A CiVS (CiVS). CiVS has been approved as an eligible protected action ballot agent under s 468A of the Act[2] 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 11 December 2023.[3] This also establishes the ballot period for the purpose of s.448A(2) of the Act.

1. An Order has been separately issued in PR768480.

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 (B2023/1280). That Member will issue an Order requiring the attendance of all bargaining representatives involved 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] B2023/1280.

[2] Democratic Outcomes Pty Ltd T/A CiVS [2023] FWC 1400.

[3] This is, in effect, ten (10) working days from the Commencement Date, as sought in the application.

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

<PR768481>