v Eptec Pty Ltd

Case [2024] FWC 1419


[2024] FWC 1419

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

Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union

v

Eptec Pty Ltd

(B2024/709)

DEPUTY PRESIDENT HAMPTON

ADELAIDE, 30 MAY 2024

Application to extend the 30 day period in relation to B2024/434.

  1. This matter concerns the declaration of the result of a protected action ballot PR773477 held in matter B2024/434 and declared on 9 May 2024.

  1. The Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union 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.

  1. Eptec 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 30 May 2024.


DEPUTY PRESIDENT

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

<PR775500>

Details
AGLC
v Eptec Pty Ltd [2024] FWC 1419
Case
[2024] FWC 1419
Decision Date

CaseChat Overview and Summary

The Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union filed an application with the Fair Work Commission to extend the 30-day period for protected industrial action authorised by a ballot held in relation to matter B2024/434. The ballot, PR773477, was declared on 9 May 2024. The application was made under section 459(3) of the Fair Work Act 2009, seeking an extension of up to 30 days beyond the initial 30-day period. Eptec Pty Ltd did not object to the application. The central legal issue was whether the conditions for extending the 30-day period, as stipulated in section 459(3) of the Act, had been satisfied.

The Deputy President found that the requirements for extending the 30-day period had indeed been met. The applicant had applied for the extension, and the period had not been previously extended. The decision hinged on the interpretation and application of section 459(3) of the Act, which allows for such an extension if the specified conditions are fulfilled. Given that no objections were raised and the statutory criteria were met, the Deputy President concluded that the application should be granted.

Consequently, the Deputy President ordered that the 30-day period for the commencement of protected industrial action for eligible employees employed by Eptec Pty Ltd be extended by a further 30 days, effective from 30 May 2024. This ruling ensures that the employees have additional time to potentially engage in industrial action, provided all other legal requirements are adhered to.

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

Reasons for decision

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Ratio Decidendi

Legal Principle Established

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