FAIR WORK ACT 2009 (NO. 28, 2009) - SECT 443 When FWA must make a protected action ballot order

FAIR WORK ACT 2009 (NO. 28, 2009) - SECT 443

             (1)  FWA must make a protected action ballot order in relation to a proposed enterprise agreement if:

                     (a)  an application has been made under section 437; and

                     (b)  FWA is satisfied that each applicant has been, and is, genuinely trying to reach an agreement with the employer of the employees who are to be balloted.

             (2)  FWA must not make a protected action ballot order in relation to a proposed enterprise agreement except in the circumstances referred to in subsection (1).

             (3)  A protected action ballot order must specify the following:

                     (a)  the name of each applicant for the order;

                     (b)  the group or groups of employees who are to be balloted;

                     (c)  the date by which voting in the protected action ballot closes;

                     (d)  the question or questions to be put to the employees who are to be balloted, including the nature of the proposed industrial action.

             (4)  If FWA decides that a person other than the Australian Electoral Commission is to be the protected action ballot agent for the protected action ballot, the protected action ballot order must also specify:

                     (a)  the person that FWA decides, under subsection 444(1), is to be the protected action ballot agent; and

                     (b)  the person (if any) that FWA decides, under subsection 444(3), is to be the independent advisor for the ballot.

             (5)  If FWA is satisfied, in relation to the proposed industrial action that is the subject of the protected action ballot, that there are exceptional circumstances justifying the period of written notice referred to in paragraph 414(2)(a) being longer than 3 working days, the protected action ballot order may specify a longer period of up to 7 working days.

Note:          Under subsection 414(1), before a person engages in employee claim action for a proposed enterprise agreement, a bargaining representative of an employee who will be covered by the agreement must give written notice of the action to the employer of the employee.