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

Proposed protected action ballot of employees of Programmed Industrial Maintenance Pty Ltd- non-AEC ballot agent electronic voting

• [1] This is an application by the Electrical, Energy & Services Division (SA branch) of 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 Programmed Industrial Maintenance Pty Ltd (Programmed or Employer).

• [2] I note that the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union (AMWU)[1] has made a separate application for a protected action ballot order in relation to the same proposed enterprise agreement.

• [3] On 10 December 2025, the Commission was advised that the Employer, in effect, did not object to the Application.

• [4] In the circumstances, I have decided to grant leave to amend the application and determine the matter on the papers without holding a hearing.

• [5] On the basis of the material before me, including the declaration of Bronte Colmer, Administration, setting out the steps taken by the CEPU in bargaining with the Employer and that it has been, and is, genuinely trying to reach agreement with Programmed, 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.

• [6] The ballot is to be conducted by Fair Vote Services Pty Ltd (Fair Vote). Fair Vote has been approved as an eligible protected action ballot agent under s.468A of the Act and consequently is authorised to conduct the ballot.

• [7] 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 24 December 2025.[2] This also establishes the ballot period for the purpose of s.448A(2) of the Act.

• [8] An Order has been separately issued in PR794881.

• [9] The Commission will conduct the s.448A compulsory conciliation conference along with the other related matter. An Order will be issued 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.

[2] This is, in effect, 9 working days from the making of the Order and is the period determined by the Commission having regard to all of the known circumstances including the impact of the upcoming Christmas/New Year period.

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