Fair Work Act 2009

s.437 - Application for a protected action ballot order

Proposed protected action ballot of employees of Metroll Manufacturing Pty Ltd

• [1] This is an application by the Transport Workers' Union (TWU 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 Metroll Manufacturing Pty Ltd (Metroll or Employer).

• [2] On 17 July 2025, the Commission was advised that the Employer, 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 Thomas Brennan, Organiser, setting out the steps taken by the TWU in bargaining with the Employer and that it has been, and is, genuinely trying to reach agreement with Metroll, 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 Vero Engagement and Voting Solutions Pty Ltd (Vero). Vero 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] Under the Act, the Commission must determine the ballot period. In exercising the discretion under s.443(3A), I have had regard to the requested period sought by the TWU and the other circumstances of the matter, including the requirements in relation to the orders to attend, and have the Commission conduct, conferences pursuant to s.448A of the Act. I observe that no particular grounds were advanced for the proposed period, however the Commission is obliged to make an order that enables the ballot to be conducted as soon as practicable. I have had regard to these matters and determined that for the purposes of s.443(3)(c) of the Act, the date by which voting is to close is 31 July 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 PR789720.

• [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 for 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, 10 working days from the making of the Order.

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