| [2023] FWC 646 |
| FAIR WORK COMMISSION |
| DECISION |
Fair Work Act 2009
s.459—Protected action
Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union
v
Australian Offshore Solutions Pty Ltd
(B2023/253)
| VICE PRESIDENT CATANZARITI | SYDNEY, 17 MARCH 2023 |
Application to extend the 30 day period in relation to B2023/38
On 16 March 2023, the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (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, PR749992 made on 25 January 2023. The Order applies to certain employees of Australian Offshore Solutions Pty Ltd (the Respondent).
The ballot result, by which a majority of the relevant employees endorsed the proposed forms of protected industrial action, was declared on 27 February 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 28 March 2023.
On 16 March 2023, the Respondent advised the Commission via email that it does not oppose the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union’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.
In addressing s.459(3) of the Act, this application is made by the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union 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.
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 28 March 2023, the extension period will operate from 28 March 2023.
An order has been separately issued in PR760387.
VICE PRESIDENT
Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer
<PR760388>
- AGLC
- Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union v Australian Offshore Solutions Pty Ltd [2023] FWC 646
- Case
- [2023] FWC 646
- Decision Date
CaseChat Overview and Summary
The legal issues before the Commission were whether the requirements of s.459(3) of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (the Act) had been met to allow for an extension of the 30-day period for protected action. The Applicant had to demonstrate that it had made the application within the specified timeframe and that there were no previous extensions of the period. Furthermore, the Commission needed to be satisfied that an extension was appropriate under the circumstances.
The Commission considered the documentation filed and found that the Applicant had met the requirements of s.459(3) of the Act. The 30-day period had not been previously extended, and the application was made within the specified timeframe. The Commission was satisfied that a 30-day extension was appropriate, and the extension period will operate from 28 March 2023, the date the original 30-day period expires.
In conclusion, the Commission determined that the Applicant's application to extend the 30-day period for protected action authorised by the ballot order was successful. An order has been separately issued in PR760387, which provides for the extension of the 30-day period for protected action.
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