United Workers' Union v Powercor Australia Ltd

[2020] FWC 880

[2020] FWC 880

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009
s.437—Protected action

United Workers’ Union
v
Powercor Australia Ltd
(B2020/86)

DEPUTY PRESIDENT GOSTENCNIK SYDNEY, 19 FEBRUARY 2020

Proposed protected action ballot of employees of Powercor Australia Ltd.

[1] This is an application by United Workers’ Union (Applicant) made under s.437 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Act) for a protected action ballot order in relation to certain employees of Powercor Australia Ltd (Respondent).

[2] On 14 February 2020, my Associate was advised that the Respondent objected to the application. The objection was made on the basis of health and safety concerns with some of the bans and limitations proposed by the draft order.

[3] In the circumstances, the matter was listed for hearing before me on 17 February 2020. At the hearing the Respondent advised the Commission that discussions had occurred between the parties regarding an amended draft order that might be filed, satisfying the concerns. The Applicant indicated it supported the course of action proposed by the Respondent. Parties were directed to file the amended draft order and the hearing was adjourned.

[4] On 18 February 2020, the Respondent filed an amended draft order and the Applicant advised my Associate that it is agreeable to the changes.

[5] On the basis of the material before me, including the statutory declaration of Ms C Lewis of the Applicant setting out the steps taken by it in bargaining with the Respondent and that it has been, and is, genuinely trying to reach agreement with the Respondent, I am satisfied that there is a notification time in relation to the proposed agreement and that the requirements in s.443(1) of the Act have been met.

[6] An order has been separately issued in PR716850.

DEPUTY PRESIDENT

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

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