v DHL Express (Australia) Pty Ltd

Case [2025] FWC 2753


[2025] FWC 2753

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009

s.459 - Application to extend the 30 day period in which industrial action is authorised by protected action ballot

Transport Workers’ Union of Australia

v

DHL Express (Australia) Pty Ltd

(B2025/1436)

DEPUTY PRESIDENT HAMPTON

ADELAIDE, 15 SEPTEMBER 2025

Application to extend the 30 day period in relation to B2025/1178.

  1. This matter concerns the declaration of the result of a protected action ballot PR789990 held in matter B2025/1178 and declared on 14 August 2025.

  1. The Transport Workers’ Union of Australia has made an application pursuant to s.459(3) of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Act) to extend the 30 day period in which industrial action is authorised by the relevant protected action ballot.

  1. Section 459(3) of the Act provides as follows:

“(3) The FWC may extend the 30-day period referred to in subparagraph (1)(d)(i) by up to 30 days if:

(a) an applicant for the protected action ballot order applies to the FWC for the period to be extended; and

(b)     the period has not previously been extended.”

  1. The application contends that each of the relevant requirements have been met and that the period should be extended by a further 30 days from the expiry of the original 30 days.

  1. DHL Express (Australia) Pty Ltd has not advised the Commission of any objection to this application.

  1. I am satisfied that the relevant requirements of the Act have been met and that the application should be granted.

  1. Accordingly, pursuant to section 459(3) of the Act, I order that the 30 day period for the commencement of protected industrial action for eligible employees who were subject to the ballot and are employed by the Employer be extended by a further 30 days.

  1. This order will operate on and from 15 September 2025.


DEPUTY PRESIDENT

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

<PR791757>

Details
AGLC
v DHL Express (Australia) Pty Ltd [2025] FWC 2753
Case
[2025] FWC 2753
Decision Date

CaseChat Overview and Summary

In this matter, the Transport Workers’ Union of Australia has applied to the Fair Work Commission for an extension of the 30-day period within which industrial action can be authorised by a protected action ballot. This application relates to a ballot, PR789990, declared on 14 August 2025, in relation to a dispute between the union and DHL Express (Australia) Pty Ltd. The union seeks an extension of the period under section 459(3) of the Fair Work Act 2009, which allows for an extension by up to 30 days if certain conditions are met.

The primary legal issue before the Commission was whether the conditions set out in section 459(3) of the Fair Work Act 2009 had been satisfied to permit an extension of the 30-day period. The union argued that the application was made in accordance with the requirements of the Act and that there were no objections from the employer, DHL Express (Australia) Pty Ltd. The Commission had to determine if the union's application met the statutory criteria and if the period could be lawfully extended.

The Deputy President concluded that the union's application met the statutory requirements for an extension under section 459(3) of the Act. Notably, there were no objections from DHL Express (Australia) Pty Ltd, and the period had not been previously extended. Given these findings, the Deputy President granted the application and ordered that the 30-day period for the commencement of protected industrial action be extended by a further 30 days. This extension is effective from 15 September 2025.

The final orders of the Commission direct that the 30-day period for protected industrial action, as authorised by the protected action ballot PR789990, is extended by 30 days. This extension commences on 15 September 2025, providing additional time for the union to potentially engage in industrial action if negotiations with DHL Express (Australia) Pty Ltd do not reach a satisfactory resolution.

Orders

Orders of the court

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Background

Background to the litigation

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Evidence

Evidence Before The Court

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Decision

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Ratio Decidendi

Legal Principle Established

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