Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance v Australian Broadcasting Corporation T/A ABC

[2023] FWC 768

[2023] FWC 768

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009

s.459—Protected action

Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance
v

Australian Broadcasting Corporation T/A ABC

(B2023/287)

VICE PRESIDENT CATANZARITI SYDNEY, 30 MARCH 2023

Application to extend the 30 day period in relation to B2023/80

1. On 28 March 2023, the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (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, PR750293 made on 7 February 2023. The Order applies to certain employees of Australian Broadcasting Corporation T/A ABC (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 28 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 expired at midnight on 29 March 2023.

1. On 29 March 2023, the Respondent advised the Commission via email that it neither objected nor consented to the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance’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 Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance 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 29‎ ‎March‎ ‎2023, the extension period will operate from 29‎ ‎March‎ ‎2023.

1. An order has been separately issued in PR760737.

VICE PRESIDENT

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

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