Application by "Automotive, Food, Metals, Engineering, Printing and Kindred Industries Union" known as the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union (AMWU) (188V)
Citation: [2026] FWC 2585
What happened
The Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union (AMWU) applied for a protected action ballot order under section 437 of the Fair Work Act 2009. This relates to employees of Innovative Asset Solutions Pty Ltd. Another union, CEPU, made a similar application concerning the same proposed enterprise agreement. The employer initially raised concerns about personal information collection but these were addressed through an amended application. Discussions occurred between the parties regarding the ballot process.
What was decided
The Fair Work Commission granted leave to amend the AMWU's application and determined the matter based on submitted documents. The Commission found that a notification time existed for the proposed agreement, and all requirements of section 437 were met. Democratic Outcomes Pty Ltd (CiVS) will conduct the ballot, with voting closing on July 21, 2026. A separate order was issued (PR811878). A compulsory conciliation conference will be scheduled.
What it means for employers
Employers should ensure they understand and address any concerns regarding data collection when union ballots are proposed. Open communication with unions can resolve issues and facilitate the bargaining process, as seen in this case where amendments were made to the application.
What it means for employees
Employees may have an opportunity to vote on a new enterprise agreement through a protected action ballot. The AMWU is seeking approval for industrial action if negotiations fail. Employees should be aware of the voting period and participate in the process.
Want this applied to your situation?
Reading the decision is free. FairWork Mate goes further — it reads the full case library and applies precedents like this one to your specific facts, citing the cases as it reasons. General information, not a guaranteed outcome or legal advice.
Every statement above is drawn from the published decision. Read the original here:
https://www.fwc.gov.au/documents/decisionssigned/pdf/2026fwc2585.pdfWant more cases like this?
FairWork Mate tracks Fair Work Ombudsman, Fair Work Commission and Federal Court decisions across Australia. The AI advisor answers plain-English questions grounded on the full corpus — awards cited, industry, penalty amounts and affected employee counts — with a citation to the underlying decision on every answer.
Individual case summaries on this site are free. Full-corpus advisor access is a paid product — Business Solo from $99/mo, 50% off your first 3 months for the first 100 signups.
Get notified on new Fair Work cases
Free email alerts when we publish new underpayment decisions, penalty orders, and workplace law updates.
Free forever. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
This summary was drafted from the published decision and reviewed before publishing. It is general information, not legal advice. For your specific situation, speak to the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified lawyer. About these summaries & corrections →