Protected Industrial Action - FAQs

Your frequently asked questions about taking protected action

We need to send a clear message to the CEO and Senior Executives – we won’t accept anything less than fair.

Industrial action is a legitimate way for Union members to advance their concerns and interests through the bargaining process.

Have questions about industrial action? Check our online FAQs about Protected Industrial Action below.

Taking this step demonstrates just how serious our concerns are. Too many members have gone without a real pay increase for years. The consequences of overwork have caused mental, physical health harms. Many have no faith their job is secure.

But this can be fixed by continuing to work together.

 

NAB Protected Action FAQs

Industrial action refers to a variety of activities, most commonly strikes (refusal to attend or perform work) or work bans (refusal to perform all normal duties), which are taken to support or advance claims during enterprise bargaining.

In the finance sector industrial action could include things like strikes, stop work meetings and overtime bans.

Protected industrial action is industrial action that has been approved by FSU members voting in favor of that action.

Union members taking Protected Industrial Action is a common part of the bargaining process. Union members are entitled to engage in Protection Action – it is one of the ways we demonstrate our power to NAB.
A Protected Action Ballot is the process where FSU members can vote on whether to take Protected Industrial Action.
When FSU members advise the FSU that they want to take Industrial Action in support of claims in Enterprise Bargaining, a Protected Action Ballot must occur before Industrial Action can be lawfully taken. Ballots will ordinarily by conducted by the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC).

If the ballot is successful, then FSU members can take Protected Industrial Action within 30 days of a successful vote.
You are protected from any legal liability for taking part in the Protected Industrial Action. You are also protected from management taking any adverse action against you for participating in the Industrial Action.

There are significant penalties for your employer if they retaliate against you for taking protected action. If you experience this kind of retaliation, alert the FSU as soon as possible.
Ballots are usually conducted by the AEC and are confidential. In order for the ballot to be successful we need the following:
  • 50% of those on the voting roll (FSU Members) to cast a vote and;
  • 50% of those who return a ballot voting YES!
Only FSU members will be able to take part in Industrial Action organised by the FSU. If other staff wish to take part, they should join the FSU and they will be able to participate.