| [2023] FWC 2245 |
| FAIR WORK COMMISSION |
| DECISION |
Fair Work Act 2009
s.437 - Application for a protected action ballot order
Health Services Union
v
Radploy Pty Ltd T/A Lake Imaging
(B2023/927)
| DEPUTY PRESIDENT HAMPTON | ADELAIDE, 6 SEPTEMBER 2023 |
Proposed protected action ballot of employees of Radploy Pty Ltd Trading As Lake Imaging
This is an application by the HSU (HSU) made under s.437 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Act) for a protected action ballot order in relation to certain employees of Padploy Pty Ltd T/A Lake Imaging (Lake Imaging or Employer).
On 6 September 2023, the Commission was advised that Lake Imaging, in effect, did not object to the Application.
In the circumstances, I have decided to determine the matter on the papers without holding a hearing.
On the basis of the material before me, including the declaration of Mr John Ryan, HSU Assistant Secretary, setting out the steps taken by the HSU in bargaining with the Employer and that it has been, and is, genuinely trying to reach agreement with Lake Imaging, 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.
The ballot is to be conducted by the TrueVote Pty Ltd (TrueVote). TrueVote has been approved as an eligible protected action ballot agent under s 468A of the Act[1] and consequently is authorised to conduct the ballot.
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 25 September 2023.[2] This also established the ballot period for the purpose of s.448A(2) of the Act.
An order has been separately issued in PR765855.
This matter will be assigned to another Member of the Commission to conduct the s.448A compulsory conciliation conference. 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] TrueVote Pty Ltd [2023] FWC 1446.
[2] This is, in effect, ten (10) working days from the Commencement Date of the ballot, as sought in the proposed order.
Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer
<PR765856>
- AGLC
- Health Services Union v Radploy Pty Ltd T/A Lake Imaging [2023] FWC 2245
- Case
- [2023] FWC 2245
- Decision Date
CaseChat Overview and Summary
The primary legal issue before the FWC was whether the HSU had met the statutory requirements to conduct a protected action ballot. This included verifying the existence of a notification period for the proposed agreement and ensuring that the HSU had genuinely attempted to reach an agreement with Radploy Pty Ltd. The FWC considered the declaration provided by Mr John Ryan, HSU Assistant Secretary, which detailed the union's bargaining efforts with the employer. The FWC was also required to determine the closing date for voting in the ballot and establish the ballot period in accordance with section 448A(2) of the Act.
Upon reviewing the evidence, Deputy President Hampton determined that the HSU had fulfilled all the necessary conditions to conduct the ballot. The FWC authorised TrueVote Pty Ltd as the ballot agent and set the voting deadline for 25 September 2023. Additionally, the FWC ordered the assignment of another member to conduct a compulsory conciliation conference, requiring all bargaining representatives to participate and engage in meaningful negotiations. This decision was issued separately as PR765855.
In conclusion, the FWC granted the HSU's application for a protected action ballot order, setting the ballot period and scheduling a compulsory conciliation conference. The final orders were issued, and the matter was referred to another member of the FWC for further proceedings.
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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