Benchmark WA Industrial Relations Case Database

United Workers' Union v Olex Australia Pty Ltd

[2026] FWC 1198 Fair Work Commission 2026-01-01
Source
Deputy President Hampton
Not yet cited by other cases
Applicant: United Workers' Union
Respondent: Olex Australia Pty Ltd

Ratio

Section 459(3) of the Fair Work Act 2009 permits the FWC to extend the 30-day period for commencement of protected industrial action by up to 30 days where the applicant for the protected action ballot order applies and the period has not previously been extended. All statutory requirements were satisfied, the respondent raised no objection, and the extension was granted.

Outcome

For applicant granted

Authority signal

Not yet cited by other cases Signal-weighted score: 0.0
Derived from how later decisions have treated this case. Dark green = leading authority, green = positively treated, grey = neutral or sparse data, amber = caution, red = treated negatively.

Key facts · 5

  • Protected action ballot PR796941 was declared on 6 March 2026
  • The matter relates to B2026/120
  • Application made under s.459(3) FW Act to extend the 30-day period by a further 30 days
  • Olex Australia Pty Ltd did not object to the application
  • Order operative from 8 April 2026

Factors

For
  • Applicant for protected action ballot order made the application
  • The 30-day period had not previously been extended
  • No objection from the respondent employer
Against

Legislation referenced

  • Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) s.459(3)
  • Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) s.459(1)(d)(i)

Concept tags · 2

[P]Protected action ballot order [P]Protected industrial action
Archived text (314 words)
1 Fair Work Act 2009 s.459 - Application to extend the 30 day period in which industrial action is authorised by protected action ballot United Workers' Union v Olex Australia Pty Ltd (B2026/342) DEPUTY PRESIDENT HAMPTON ADELAIDE, 8 APRIL 2026 Application to extend the 30 day period in relation to B2026/120. [1] This matter concerns the declaration of the result of a protected action ballot PR796941 held in matter B2026/120 and declared on 6 March 2026. [2] The United Workers' Union has made an application pursuant to s.459(3) of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Act) to extend the 30 day period in which industrial action is authorised by the relevant protected action ballot. [3] Section 459(3) of the Act provides as follows: “(3) The FWC may extend the 30-day period referred to in subparagraph (1)(d)(i) by up to 30 days if: (a) an applicant for the protected action ballot order applies to the FWC for the period to be extended; and (b) the period has not previously been extended.” [4] The application contends that each of the relevant requirements have been met and that the period should be extended by a further 30 days from the expiry of the original 30 days. [5] Olex Australia Pty Ltd has not advised the Commission of any objection to this application. [6] I am satisfied that the relevant requirements of the Act have been met and that the application should be granted. [7] Accordingly, pursuant to section 459(3) of the Act, I order that the 30 day period for the commencement of protected industrial action for eligible employees who were subject to the ballot and are employed by the Employer be extended by a further 30 days. [2026] FWC 1198 DECISION [2026] FWC 1198 2 [8] This order will operate on and from 8 April 2026. DEPUTY PRESIDENT Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer <PR798428>