"Automotive, Food, Metals, Engineering, Printing and Kindred Industries Union" known as the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union (AMWU) v BAE Systems Australia Limited T/A BAE Systems Australia [2024] FWC 1833

1 Fair Work Act 2009 s.437 - Application for a protected action ballot order "Automotive, Food, Metals, Engineering, Printing and Kindred Industries Union" known as the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union (AMWU) v BAE Systems Australia Limited T/A BAE Systems Australia (B2024/883) COMMISSIONER PLATT ADELAIDE, 15 JULY 2024 Proposed protected action ballot of employees of BAE Systems Australia Limited T/A BAE Systems Australia [1] This is an application by the “Automotive, Food, Metals, Engineering, Printing and Kindred Industries Union” known as the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) (AMWU 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 BAE Systems Australia Limited (BAE or Employer). [2] On 15 July 2024, the Commission was advised that the Employer, in effect, did not object to the Application. [3] In the circumstances, I have decided to determine the matter on the papers without holding a hearing. [4] On the basis of the material before me, including the declaration of Stuart Gordon, Assistant State Secretary, setting out the steps taken by the AMWU in bargaining with the Employer and that it has been, and is, genuinely trying to reach agreement with it, 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. [5] The ballot is to be conducted by the Australian Electoral Commission. [6] 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 23 August 2024.1 This also establishes the ballot period for the purpose of s.448A(2) of the Act. [7] A Consent Order has been separately issued in PR776946. [2024] FWC 1833 DECISION -- 1 of 2 -- [2024] FWC 1833 2 [8] This matter will be assigned to a Member of the Commission to conduct the s.448A compulsory conciliation conference. The 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. COMMISSIONER Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer <PR776947> 1 This is, in effect, 30 working days from the making of the Order, which is the period sought in the application and the minimum period required by the AEC to conduct the ballot. -- 2 of 2 --