United Voice

United Voice applied for a low-paid authorisation to cover its members employed in the retail and fast food industries. The application was heard by the Fair Work Commission. The employer, Retail Fast Food, opposed the application, arguing that the authorisation was unnecessary and would be detrimental to the industry. The legal issues before the Commission were whether the members of United Voice were low-paid, whether granting the authorisation would be in the public interest, and whether it was necessary for the effective operation of industrial relations. The Commission found that the members of United Voice were indeed low-paid and that granting the authorisation would be in the public interest and necessary for the effective operation of industrial relations. The Commission was satisfied that the application met the criteria set out in the Fair Work Act. The Commission noted that the low-paid authorisation would provide a streamlined process for bargaining and that it would assist in addressing the issue of low pay in the retail and fast food industries. The Commission granted the application and made the low-paid authorisation order.