| [2025] FWC 1094 |
| FAIR WORK COMMISSION |
| DECISION |
Fair Work Act 2009
s.437 - Application for a protected action ballot order
United Workers' Union
v
Allied Pinnacle Pty Limited
(B2025/637)
| DEPUTY PRESIDENT HAMPTON | ADELAIDE, 17 APRIL 2025 |
Proposed protected action ballot of employees of Allied Pinnacle Pty Limited
This is an application by the United Workers’ Union (UWU 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 Allied Pinnacle Pty Limited (Allied Pinnacle or Employer).
On 17 April 2025, the Commission was advised that the Employer, in effect, did not object to the Application.
In the circumstances, I have decided to determine the matter on the papers without holding a hearing.
On the basis of the material before me, including the declaration of Liban Ibrahim, Organiser, setting out the steps taken by the UWU in bargaining with the Employer and that it has been, and is, genuinely trying to reach agreement with Allied Pinnacle, 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.
The ballot is to be conducted by Fair Vote Services Pty Ltd (Fair Vote). Fair Vote has been approved as an eligible protected action ballot agent under s.468A of the Act and consequently is authorised to conduct the ballot.
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 7 May 2025.[1] This also establishes the ballot period for the purpose of s.448A(2) of the Act.
An Order has been separately issued in PR786222.
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 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] This is, in effect, 14 calendar days from the anticipated commencement of the ballot and was the period sought in the application.
Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer
<PR786223>
- AGLC
- United Workers' Union v Allied Pinnacle Pty Limited [2025] FWC 1094
- Case
- [2025] FWC 1094
- Decision Date
CaseChat Overview and Summary
The primary legal issue before the Commission was whether the UWU had satisfied the conditions required under section 443(1) of the Act for a protected action ballot. This includes verifying that the union had genuinely attempted to reach an agreement with Allied Pinnacle and that a notification period existed for the proposed agreement. Additionally, the Commission had to determine an appropriate closing date for the ballot, ensuring it aligns with the statutory requirements.
The Deputy President concluded that the UWU had met all necessary criteria for the ballot, including demonstrating genuine efforts in bargaining and fulfilling the notification period. The ballot is set to be conducted by Fair Vote Services Pty Ltd, an approved agent under section 468A of the Act. The Commission set the closing date for voting as 7 May 2025, which corresponds to 14 days from the anticipated commencement of the ballot. This date was also established for the purposes of section 448A(2) of the Act. Furthermore, the matter will be assigned to another Commission member to conduct a compulsory conciliation conference, where bargaining representatives will be required to attend and engage in meaningful negotiations.
This decision outlines the steps and timeline for the protected action ballot, setting a clear framework for the industrial action process and ensuring compliance with the Fair Work Act.
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
Reasons for decision
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Ratio Decidendi
Legal Principle Established
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