United Workers' Union v Fresh Food Management Services Pty Ltd

[2022] FWC 1933

[2022] FWC 1933

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009

s.459—Protected action

United Workers’ Union
v

Fresh Food Management Services Pty Ltd

(B2022/1124)

VICE PRESIDENT CATANZARITI SYDNEY, 22 JULY 2022

Application to extend the 30 day period in relation to B2022/328

1. On 21 July 2022, the United Workers’ Union (Applicant) made an application to the Fair Work Commission (the Commission) pursuant to s. 459(3) of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (the Act) to extend the 30 day period for protected action authorised by a protected action ballot order, PR740545 made on 21 April 2022. The Order applies to certain employees of Fresh Food Management Services Pty Ltd (the Respondent).

1. The ballot result, by which a majority of the relevant employees endorsed the proposed forms of protected industrial action, was declared on 1 June 2022. Pursuant to s. 459(1)(d)(i) of the Act, the 30 day period for protected action commenced on the date of the declaration of the results of the ballot and therefore expired at midnight on 30 June 2022.

1. On 22 July 2022, the Respondent advised the Commission via email that it does not oppose the United Workers’ Union’s application to extend the 30 day period for protected industrial action. Accordingly, I have determined the matter on the basis of the documentation filed.

1. In addressing s.459(3) of the Act, this application is made by the United Workers’ Union who is the Applicant for which the protected action ballot order was issued. Furthermore, the period specified in s.459(1)(d)(i) has not been previously extended.

1. On that basis and on the material before me, I am satisfied that each of the relevant requirements of s.459 of the Act have been met and that a 30 day extension is appropriate. As the 30 day period expired at midnight on 30 June 2022, the extension period will operate from 30 June 2022.

1. An order has been separately issued in PR744066.

VICE PRESIDENT

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