Application by Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia (128V)
Citation: [2026] FWC 2619
What happened
The Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia applied to the Fair Work Commission (FWC) to extend a 30-day period for industrial action. This application relates to matter B2026/553 and follows a protected action ballot PR810175 declared on June 2, 2026. The union sought an additional 30 days of authorised industrial action.
What was decided
The Fair Work Commission granted the Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia’s application to extend the period for protected industrial action by a further 30 days. The FWC can only grant one extension under section 459(3) of the Fair Work Act. Any industrial action taken between the expiry of the initial 30-day period and the date of this extension may not be protected.
What it means for employers
Employers should be aware that unions can apply to extend periods for authorised industrial action, potentially impacting operations beyond the initial timeframe. They need to monitor ballot results and any subsequent applications for extensions from unions.
What it means for employees
Employees should understand that the period during which protected industrial action is authorised can be extended by the FWC. However, industrial action taken outside of this approved period may not have legal protection.
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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 →