United Workers' Union v Arnott’s Biscuits Limited

[2024] FWC 753

[2024] FWC 753

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009

s.437 - Application for a protected action ballot order

United Workers' Union
v

Arnott’s Biscuits Limited

(B2024/237)

DEPUTY PRESIDENT HAMPTON ADELAIDE, 22 MARCH 2024

Proposed protected action ballot of employees of Arnott’s Biscuits Limited

1. This is an application by the United Workers’ Union (UWU) made under s.437 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Act) for a protected action ballot order in relation to certain employees of Arnott’s Biscuits Limited (Arnott’s or Employer). 

1. On 21 March 2024, the Commission was advised that Arnott’s, in effect, did not object to the Application. However, it did seek clarification regarding one of the revised questions posed by the UWU.

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 Mr Jonathan Milman on behalf of the UWU, 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 Arnott’s, 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. As to the ballot questions, there may, in effect, be some unnecessary duplication in 2 of the relevant questions; however, this is not presently a matter that prevents the making of the Order.

1. The ballot is to be conducted by the Australian Electoral Commission. 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 8 May 2024.[1] This also establishes the ballot period for the purpose of s.448A(2) of the Act.

1. An order has been separately issued in PR772651.

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] This is, in effect, 30 working days from the making of the Order, as sought in the application. It is also the period required by the Australian Electoral Commission to conduct a ballot.

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

<PR772652>