The Australian Workers' Union v Commonwealth Steel Pty Ltd T/A Moly-Cop Australasia

[2021] FWC 6446

[2021] FWC 6446

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009
s.459—Protected action

The Australian Workers’ Union
v
Commonwealth Steel Pty Ltd T/A Moly-Cop Australasia
(B2021/1096)

VICE PRESIDENT CATANZARITI SYDNEY, 24 NOVEMBER 2021

Application to extend the 30 day period in relation to B2021/933

[1] On 15 November 2021, the Australian Workers’ 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, PR734489 made on 1 October 2021. The Order applies to certain employees of Commonwealth Steel Pty Ltd T/A Moly-Cop Australasia (the Respondent).

[2] The ballot result, by which a majority of the relevant employees endorsed the proposed forms of protected industrial action, was declared on 25 October 2021. 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 23 November 2021.

[3] On 22 November 2021, the Respondent advised the Commission via email that it does not oppose the Australian Workers’ 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.

[4] In addressing s.459(3) of the Act, this application is made by the Australian Workers’ 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.

[5] 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 23 November 2021, the extension period will operate from 23 November 2021.

[6] An order has been separately issued in PR736126.

VICE PRESIDENT

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

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