"Automotive, Food, Metals, Engineering, Printing and Kindred Industries Union" known as the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union (AMWU) v APT AM Employment Pty Ltd T/A APA Group [2023] FWC 1169

1 Fair Work Act 2009 s.459—Protected action "Automotive, Food, Metals, Engineering, Printing and Kindred Industries Union" known as the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union (AMWU) v APT AM Employment Pty Ltd T/A APA Group (B2023/454) VICE PRESIDENT CATANZARITI SYDNEY, 17 MAY 2023 Application to extend the 30 day period in relation to B2023/305 [1] On 15 May 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, PR760894 made on 5 April 2023. The Order applies to certain employees of APT AM Employment Pty Ltd T/A APA Group (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 21 April 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 expires at midnight on 20 May 2023. [3] On 16 May 2023, the Respondent advised the Commission via email that it does not oppose 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 expires at midnight on 20 May 2023, the extension period will operate from 20 May 2023. [6] An order has been separately issued in PR761988. [2023] FWC 1169 DECISION -- 1 of 2 -- [2023] FWC 1169 2 VICE PRESIDENT Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer <PR761989> -- 2 of 2 --