v Queensland Rail Transit Authority T/A Queensland Rail

Case [2024] FWC 1555


[2024] FWC 1555

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 Rail, Tram and Bus Industry Union

v

Queensland Rail Transit Authority T/A Queensland Rail

(B2024/767)

DEPUTY PRESIDENT HAMPTON

ADELAIDE, 14 JUNE 2024

Application to extend the 30 day period in relation to B2024/389.

  1. This matter concerns the declaration of the result of a protected action ballot PR773128 held in matter B2024/389 and declared on 17 May 2024.

  1. The Australian Rail, Tram and Bus Industry 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. The Queensland Rail Transit Authority 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 14 June 2024.


DEPUTY PRESIDENT

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

<PR776050>

Details
AGLC
v Queensland Rail Transit Authority T/A Queensland Rail [2024] FWC 1555
Case
[2024] FWC 1555
Decision Date

CaseChat Overview and Summary

The Australian Rail, Tram and Bus Industry Union has applied to the Fair Work Commission under section 459(3) of the Fair Work Act 2009 for an extension of the 30-day period for protected industrial action authorized by a protected action ballot held in matter B2024/389. The matter concerns the declaration of the result of the ballot, PR773128, which was declared on 17 May 2024. The Queensland Rail Transit Authority, trading as Queensland Rail, has indicated no objection to the application. The primary legal issue before the Deputy President was whether the conditions specified in section 459(3) of the Act were met to warrant an extension of the 30-day period for protected industrial action.

The Deputy President considered the application and found that the requirements under section 459(3) of the Act were satisfied. The application was made by an applicant for the protected action ballot order, and the 30-day period had not previously been extended. Consequently, the Deputy President concluded that the application should be granted, thereby extending the period for protected industrial action by a further 30 days. The order to extend the period will take effect from 14 June 2024.

Orders

Orders of the court

Full text does not contain this section.

Background

Background to the litigation

Full text does not contain this section.

Evidence

Evidence Before The Court

Full text does not contain this section.

Decision

Reasons for decision

Full text does not contain this section.

Ratio Decidendi

Legal Principle Established

Full text does not contain this section.