[2025] FWC 2254

Fair Work Act 2009

s.437 - Application for a protected action ballot order

Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia

Easy Living Home Elevators Vic Pty Limited, Easy Living Services Pty Limited

Easy Living Home Elevators VIC Pty Limited and Easy Living Services Pty Limited

• [1] This is an application by the Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia (CEPU 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 Easy Living Home Elevators Vic Pty Limited and Easy Living Services Pty Limited (Easy Living or Employers). The Commission understands that the Employers are related businesses.

• [2] On 1 August 2025, the Commission was advised that the Employers, 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 Gabriel Brinduse, Organiser, setting out the steps taken by the CEPU in bargaining with the Employers and that it has been, and is, genuinely trying to reach agreement with Easy Living, 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 Australian Electoral Commission (AEC). AEC has been approved as an eligible protected action ballot agent under s.468A of the Act and consequently is authorised to conduct the ballot.

• [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 12 September 2025.[1] This also establishes the ballot period for the purpose of s.448A(2) of the Act.

• [7] An Order has been separately issued in PR790283.

• [8] This matter will be assigned to another Member of the Commission to conduct the s.448A compulsory conciliation conference. That 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.

[1] This is, in effect, 30 working days from the making of the Order and was the date sought in the application.

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