"Automotive, Food, Metals, Engineering, Printing and Kindred Industries Union" known as the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union (AMWU) v UGL Rail (North Queensland) Pty Ltd [2023] FWC 967

1 Fair Work Act 2009 s.437—Protected action "Automotive, Food, Metals, Engineering, Printing and Kindred Industries Union" known as the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union (AMWU) v UGL Rail (North Queensland) Pty Ltd (B2023/355) VICE PRESIDENT CATANZARITI SYDNEY, 24 APRIL 2023 Application to extend the 30 day period in relation to B2023/206 [1] On 18 April 2023, the "Automotive, Food, Metals, Engineering, Printing and Kindred Industries Union" known as the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union (AMWU) (Applicant) made an application to the Fair Work Commission (the Commission) pursuant to s. 459(3) of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (the Act) to extend the 30 day period for protected action authorised by a protected action ballot order, PR760189 made on 9 March 2023. The Order applies to certain employees of UGL Rail (North Queensland) Pty Ltd (the Respondent). [2] The ballot result, by which a majority of the relevant employees endorsed the proposed forms of protected industrial action, was declared on 23 March 2023. Pursuant to s. 459(1)(d)(i) of the Act, the 30 day period for protected action commenced on the date of the declaration of the results of the ballot and therefore expired at midnight on 21 April 2023. [3] The Respondent neither consented nor objected to the AMWU’s application to extend the 30 day period for protected industrial action. Accordingly, I have determined the matter on the basis of the documentation filed. [4] In addressing s.459(3) of the Act, this application is made by the AMWU who is the Applicant for which the protected action ballot order was issued. Furthermore, the period specified in s.459(1)(d)(i) has not been previously extended. [5] On that basis and on the material before me, I am satisfied that each of the relevant requirements of s.459 of the Act have been met and that a 30 day extension is appropriate. As the 30 day period expired at midnight on 21 April 2023, the extension period will operate from 21 April 2023. [6] An order has been separately issued in PR761335. [2023] FWC 967 DECISION -- 1 of 2 -- [2023] FWC 967 2 VICE PRESIDENT Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer <PR761336> -- 2 of 2 --