Fair Work Act 2009

s.437 - Application for a protected action ballot order

Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union

Proposed protected action ballot of employees of Civmec Construction and Engineering Pty Ltd

• [1] This is an application by the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU 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 Civmec Construction and Engineering Pty Ltd (Civmec or Employer).

• [2] On 28 July 2025, the Commission was advised that the Employer held concerns about the proposed scope of the ballot and the length of the CFMEU's proposed ballot period. The Employer also proposed that the ballot close date should be 10 working days from the date of the order. On 29 July 2025, the CFMEU clarified the employees to be balloted and proposed a slightly extended ballot close date of 7 working days from the anticipated commencement of the ballot.[1] This, in effect, results in the ballot closing 10 working days from the making of the order.

• [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 Kyle Sinclair, Organiser, setting out the steps taken by the CFMEU in bargaining with the Employer and that it has been, and is, genuinely trying to reach agreement with Civmec, 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 Democratic Outcomes Pty Ltd (CiVS). CiVS 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 13 August 2025.[2] This also establishes the ballot period for the purpose of s.448A(2) of the Act.

• [7] An Order has been separately issued in PR790156.

• [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] The original application sought 5 working days from the commencement of the ballot.

[2] This is, in effect, 7 working days from the anticipated commencement of the ballot and 10 working days from the Order as now sought by the parties.

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