s.437 - Application for a protected action ballot order

Proposed protected action ballot of employees of Origin People Pty Ltd T/A Padre Coffee

• [1] This is an application by the United Workers' Union (UWU 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 Origin People Pty Ltd trading as Padre Coffee (Padre Coffee or Employer).

• [2] On 23 June 2025, the Commission was advised that the Employer did not object to the Application.

• [3] One of the original ballot questions in Clause 5 was amended from the proposed order by the UWU following statutory matters being raised by the Commission. I observe that the Employer, in effect, reserved its rights in relation to that revised question.

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

• [5] On the basis of the material before me, including the declaration of Fin Mulveney, Organiser, setting out the steps taken by the UWU in bargaining with the Employer and that it has been, and is, genuinely trying to reach agreement with Padre Coffee, 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 the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC).

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

• [8] An Order has been separately issued in PR788478.

• [9] 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, 30 working days from the making of the Order and was the period sought in the application.

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