Fair Work Act 2009

s.418 - Application for an order that industrial action by employees or employers stop etc.

The Northern Territory of Australia, The Office of the Commissioner for Public Employment, Northern Territory Government and Department of Corrections, Northern Territory Government

Application for an order to stop etc (unprotected) industrial action

[1] On the afternoon of Thursday, 19 March 2026, The Northern Territory of Australia, The Office of the Commissioner for Public Employment, Northern Territory Government and Department of Corrections, Northern Territory Government (the Department of Corrections) filed a Form F14, being an application under s.418 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (the FW Act) for urgent orders that industrial action stop or not occur (418 Application). The industrial action being taken is a 12-hour stoppage of Prison Officers at the Alice Springs Correctional Centre. The stoppage is scheduled to commence at 8am ACST today, 20 March 2026.

[2] I conducted a Hearing by video via Microsoft Teams at 7pm AEDT on Thursday, 19 March 2026.

[3] I have taken into account all of the submissions and evidence provided by the parties in relation to these proceedings.

[4] After careful consideration, I have decided to dismiss the application. I am satisfied and find that the industrial action being undertaken by members of the United Workers' Union (UWU) today is protection industrial action (PIA).

[5] Reasons for my decision will hopefully issue by close of business today, 20 March 2026.

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