Transport Workers' Union of Australia v Saputo Dairy Australia Pty Ltd

Case [2023] FWC 2436


[2023] FWC 2436

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009

s.459 - Application to extend the 30 day period in which industrial action is authorised by protected action ballot

Transport Workers' Union of Australia
v

Saputo Dairy Australia Pty Ltd

(B2023/1009)

DEPUTY PRESIDENT HAMPTON

ADELAIDE, 20 SEPTEMBER 2023

Application to extend the 30 day period in relation to B2023/712

  1. This matter concerns the declaration of the result of a protected action ballot (PR764247) held in matter B2023/712 and declared on 23 August 2023.

  1. The Transport Workers’ Union of Australia (TWU or Applicant) 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 TWU contends that each of the relevant requirements have been met and that the period should be extended by a further 30 days.

  1. Saputo Dairy Australia Pty Ltd (Saputo) has advised the Commission it does not object 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 TWU members employed by Saputo be extended by a further 30 days.

  1. This order will operate on and from 20 September 2023.


DEPUTY PRESIDENT

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

<PR766440>

Details
AGLC
Transport Workers' Union of Australia v Saputo Dairy Australia Pty Ltd [2023] FWC 2436
Case
[2023] FWC 2436
Decision Date

CaseChat Overview and Summary

The Fair Work Commission considered an application by the Transport Workers' Union of Australia (TWU) to extend the 30-day period during which industrial action is authorised by a protected action ballot. The matter was brought under section 459(3) of the Fair Work Act 2009, and the application pertained to the result of a protected action ballot (PR764247) held in relation to matter B2023/712, which was declared on 23 August 2023. The employer, Saputo Dairy Australia Pty Ltd, did not object to the application. The central legal issue was whether the TWU met the statutory requirements to extend the period for protected industrial action, as per section 459(3) of the Act. The section allows for an extension if the applicant for the protected action ballot order applies for the period to be extended, and if the period has not been previously extended.

The Deputy President found that the TWU had met the statutory requirements for the extension. Given that Saputo did not object to the application and that the period had not been previously extended, the requirements of section 459(3) of the Act were satisfied. Consequently, the Deputy President ordered that the 30-day period for the commencement of protected industrial action for eligible TWU members employed by Saputo be extended by a further 30 days. This extension took effect from 20 September 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

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