Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union v Viridian Glass Pty Ltd

Case [2022] FWC 2242


[2022] FWC 2242

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009

s.459—Protected action

Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union

v

Viridian Glass Pty Ltd

(B2022/1264)

VICE PRESIDENT CATANZARITI

BRISBANE, 23 AUGUST 2022

Application to extend the 30 day period in relation to B2022/540

  1. On 19 August 2022, 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, PR742503 made on 9 June 2022. The Order applies to certain employees of Viridian Glass Pty Ltd (the Respondent).

  1. The ballot result, by which a majority of the relevant employees endorsed the proposed forms of protected industrial action, was declared on 20 July 2022. 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 expired at midnight on 18 August 2022.

  1. On 23 August 2022, 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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 expired at midnight on 18 August 2022, the extension period will operate from 18 August 2022.

  1. An order has been separately issued in PR745082.

VICE PRESIDENT

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

<PR745083>

Details
AGLC
Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union v Viridian Glass Pty Ltd [2022] FWC 2242
Case
[2022] FWC 2242
Decision Date

CaseChat Overview and Summary

The Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) applied to the Fair Work Commission (FWC) for an extension of the 30-day period for protected industrial action authorised by a ballot order made on 9 June 2022. The order applied to certain employees of Viridian Glass Pty Ltd. The ballot result, indicating a majority endorsement of proposed industrial action, was declared on 20 July 2022. Consequently, the 30-day period for protected action began on 20 July 2022 and expired at midnight on 18 August 2022. The Respondent, Viridian Glass Pty Ltd, did not oppose the application, leading to the consideration of the application on the basis of the submitted documentation.

The legal issues before the FWC involved the interpretation and application of section 459(3) of the Fair Work Act 2009. This section allows for an extension of the 30-day period for protected action if certain conditions are met. The FWC needed to determine if the requirements of section 459 of the Act were satisfied to warrant an extension. Key considerations included the fact that the 30-day period had not been previously extended and the provisions of section 459(1)(d)(i) of the Act were applicable. The FWC also had to ensure that the extension was justified and appropriate given the circumstances presented.

The FWC, in its decision, found that the requirements of section 459 of the Act were met and that an extension of the 30-day period was appropriate. The 30-day period had expired on 18 August 2022, and the extension was set to begin from that date. The FWC noted that the Respondent did not oppose the application, which supported the decision to grant the extension. The FWC issued a separate order in PR745082, reflecting the decision to extend the period for protected action.

Orders

Orders of the court

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Background

Background to the litigation

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Evidence

Evidence Before The Court

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Decision

Reasons for decision

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Ratio Decidendi

Legal Principle Established

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