The Australian Workers' Union v Noble Drilling Australia Pty Ltd T/A Noble Drilling

Case [2023] FWC 1410


[2023] FWC 1410

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009

s.459—Protected action

The Australian Workers’ Union
v

Noble Drilling Australia Pty Ltd T/A Noble Drilling

(B2023/577)

DEPUTY PRESIDENT HAMPTON

ADELAIDE, 15 JUNE 2023

Application to extend the 30 day period in relation to B2023/463.

  1. This matter concerns the declaration of the result of a protected action ballot (PR762085) held in matter B2023/463 and declared on 29 May 2023.

  1. The Australian Workers’ Union has made an application pursuant to s.459(3) of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Act) to extend the 30 day period in which industrial action is authorised by the relevant protected action ballot.

  1. Section 459(3) of the Act provides as follows:

“(3) The FWC may extend the 30-day period referred to in subparagraph (1)(d)(i) by up to 30 days if:

(a) an applicant for the protected action ballot order applies to the FWC for the period to be extended; and

(b)     the period has not previously been extended.”

  1. The application made by the AWU contends that each of the relevant requirements have been met and that the period should be extended by a further 30 days.

  1. Noble Drilling Australia Pty Ltd advised the Commission it has no objection to this application.

  1. I am satisfied that the relevant requirements of the Act have been met and that the application should be granted.

  1. Accordingly, pursuant to section 459(3) of the Act, I order that the 30 day period for the commencement of protected industrial action for eligible AWU members employed by Noble Drilling Australia Pty Ltd T/A Noble Drilling be extended by a further 30 days.

  1. This order will operate on and from 15 June 2023.

DEPUTY PRESIDENT

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

<PR763093>

Details
AGLC
The Australian Workers' Union v Noble Drilling Australia Pty Ltd T/A Noble Drilling [2023] FWC 1410
Case
[2023] FWC 1410
Decision Date

CaseChat Overview and Summary

The Australian Workers' Union has applied to the Fair Work Commission for an extension to the 30-day period during which industrial action can be authorised by a protected action ballot. The application concerns the declaration of the result of a protected action ballot held in the matter of The Australian Workers' Union v Noble Drilling Australia Pty Ltd T/A Noble Drilling. The company, Noble Drilling Australia Pty Ltd, has not objected to the application. The Deputy President of the Commission, Hampton, has granted the application, extending the period by a further 30 days. The extension is pursuant to section 459(3) of the Fair Work Act 2009 and is effective from 15 June 2023.

The legal issue before the Deputy President was whether the requirements of section 459(3) of the Fair Work Act 2009 had been met. Section 459(3) allows for the extension of the 30-day period during which industrial action can be authorised by a protected action ballot if the applicant applies for the extension and the period has not previously been extended. The Australian Workers' Union argued that the requirements had been met, and the company did not oppose the application. The Deputy President was satisfied that the application met the requirements of the Act.

The Deputy President found that the application met the requirements of section 459(3) of the Fair Work Act 2009. The application was made by the Australian Workers' Union, and the 30-day period had not previously been extended. The company had no objection to the application. The Deputy President granted the application, extending the period by a further 30 days. The order is effective from 15 June 2023.

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

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Ratio Decidendi

Legal Principle Established

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