v LifeFlight Australia Ltd

Case [2024] FWC 1740


[2024] FWC 1740

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

Australian Federation of Air Pilots

v

LifeFlight Australia Ltd

(B2024/838)

DEPUTY PRESIDENT HAMPTON

ADELAIDE, 2 JULY 2024

Application to extend the 30 day period in relation to B2024/541.

  1. This matter concerns the declaration of the result of a protected action ballot PR775239 held in matter B2024/541 and declared on 5 June 2024.

  1. The Australian Federation of Air Pilots 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. LifeFlight Australia Ltd has advised the Commission it has no 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 2 July 2024.


DEPUTY PRESIDENT

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

<PR776621>

Details
AGLC
v LifeFlight Australia Ltd [2024] FWC 1740
Case
[2024] FWC 1740
Decision Date

CaseChat Overview and Summary

The Australian Federation of Air Pilots has sought an extension of the 30-day period for the commencement of industrial action, as authorised by a protected action ballot, against LifeFlight Australia Ltd. The application was brought before the Fair Work Commission under section 459(3) of the Fair Work Act 2009. The original ballot, PR775239, was declared on 5 June 2024, and the union now seeks to extend the authorisation period by an additional 30 days. LifeFlight Australia Ltd has indicated it has no objection to the application.

The primary legal issue before the Deputy President was whether the application met the criteria for an extension under section 459(3) of the Act. This section allows for an extension if the applicant for the protected action ballot order applies to the FWC, and the period has not previously been extended. The Deputy President had to determine if the application fulfilled these conditions and if the extension was warranted. The union argued that all requirements were satisfied and requested an additional 30 days for the commencement of industrial action.

After considering the application and the lack of objection from LifeFlight Australia Ltd, the Deputy President found that the requirements of the Act had indeed been met. Consequently, the application was granted. The Deputy President ordered that the 30-day period for the commencement of protected industrial action for eligible employees be extended by a further 30 days, effective from 2 July 2024. This decision was made in accordance with section 459(3) of the Fair Work Act 2009.

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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