United Workers' Union v Lactalis Australia Pty Ltd T/A Lactalis Australia

[2023] FWC 2252

[2023] FWC 2252

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009

s.437—Protected action

United Workers’ Union
v

Lactalis Australia Pty Ltd T/A Lactalis Australia

(B2023/931)

DEPUTY PRESIDENT HAMPTON ADELAIDE, 5 SEPTEMBER 2023

Proposed protected action ballot of employees of Lactalis Australia Pty Ltd

1. 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 Lactalis Australia Pty Ltd T/A Lactalis Australia (Lactalis or Employer). 

1. On 5 September 2023, the Commission was advised that Lactalis 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 Mr David Bish, 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 Lactalis, 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 Democratic Outcomes Pty Ltd T/A CiVS (CiVS). CiVS 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 28 September 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 PR765875.

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] Democratic Outcomes Pty Ltd T/A CiVS [2023] FWC 1400.

[2] This date was specified in the proposed order and is, in effect, seventeen (17) working days from the date effect of the Order.

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

<PR765874>