Application by United Workers' Union (108V)
Citation: [2026] FWC 2607
What happened
The Applicant applied for a protected action ballot order under section 437 of the Fair Work Act 2009. The application relates to employees of Bridgestone Australia Limited. The Applicant stated they have been genuinely trying to reach an agreement with Bridgestone through bargaining. The Respondent did not object to the application.
What was decided
The Commissioner granted the Applicant’s request for a protected action ballot order. The ballot will be conducted by Fair Vote Services Pty Ltd, which is an approved ballot agent. Voting must close by 23 July 2026. A separate order was issued (PR811942). Another member of the Commission will conduct compulsory conciliation to facilitate negotiations.
What it means for employers
Employers should ensure they engage in genuine bargaining with unions when negotiating enterprise agreements. Failure to do so could lead to union applications for protected action ballots, potentially disrupting operations and impacting employee relations.
What it means for employees
Employees may have the opportunity to vote on a proposed enterprise agreement through a protected action ballot. This allows them to express their views on the terms of the agreement and potentially influence negotiations with their employer.
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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 →