Transport Workers' Union of Australia v Virgin Australia Airlines Pty Ltd

[2023] FWC 2969

[2023] FWC 2969

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009

s.437 - Application for a protected action ballot order

Transport Workers' Union of Australia
v

Virgin Australia Airlines Pty Ltd

(B2023/1242)

DEPUTY PRESIDENT WRIGHT SYDNEY, 14 NOVEMBER 2023

Proposed protected action ballot of employees of Virgin Australia Airlines Pty Ltd

1. This is an application by the Transport Workers’ Union of Australia (TWU or Applicant) made under s.437 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Act) for a protected action ballot order in relation to certain employees of Virgin Australia Airlines Pty Ltd (Virgin or Employer). 

1. On 13 November 2023, the Commission was advised that Virgin did not, in effect, object to the Application.

1. In the circumstances, I have decided to determine the matter on the papers without holding a hearing.

1. On the basis of the material before me, including the declaration of Ms Lorraine Biviano, Coordinator, setting out the steps taken by the TWU in bargaining with the Employer and that it has been, and is, genuinely trying to reach agreement with Virgin, 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.  

1. The ballot is to be conducted by the RMK Investments Pty Ltd as Trustee For Kidd Family Trust T/A Australian Election Company (RMK). RMK 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.

1. 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 5 December 2023.[2] This also establishes the ballot period for the purpose of s.448A(2) of the Act.

1. An Order has been separately issued in PR768231.

1. 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] RMK Investment Pty Ltd as Trustee For Kidd Family Trust T/A Australian Election Company [2023] FWC 1532.

[2] This is, in effect, fifteen (15) working days from the date effect of the Order, as sought by the Applicant.

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

<PR768232>