United Workers' Union v Woolworths Group Ltd T/A Woolworths

[2024] FWC 2989

[2024] FWC 2989

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009

s.437 - Application for a protected action ballot order

United Workers' Union
v

Woolworths Group Ltd T/A Woolworths

(B2024/1400)

DEPUTY PRESIDENT WRIGHT SYDNEY, 28 OCTOBER 2024

Proposed protected action ballot of employees of Woolworths Group 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 Woolworths Group Ltd (Woolworths or Employer).

1. On 28 October 2024, the Commission was advised that the Employer, in effect, did not object to the Application subject to there being an extended notice period of four working days in relation to the proposed forms of industrial action.[1]

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 Craig Wong, 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 Woolworths, 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 Democratic Outcomes Pty Ltd (CiVS). CiVS has been approved as an eligible protected action ballot agent under s.468A of the Act 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 13 November 2024.[2] This also establishes the ballot period for the purpose of s.448A(2) of the Act.

1. I am satisfied that there are relevant exceptional circumstances required by s.443(5), justifying an extended period of written notice for the purposes of s.414(2)(b) of the Act when taking industrial action set out in the Order made by the Commission. The extended notice period of 4 working days applies to the items listed within Clause five (5) of the Order. 

1. An Order has been separately issued in PR780681.

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 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] The Applicant subsequently agreed to an extended notice period of four working days.

[2] This is, in effect, 12 working days from the making of the Order and was the specific date sought in the application.

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

<PR780682>