The Australian Electoral Commission has confirmed a unanimous “Yes” from the 58 per cent of eligible GASAA members voting in the ballot to amalgamate with Printing Industries Association of Australia.
Executive Officer of the Graphic Arts Services Association of Australia, Garry Knespal, welcomed the result.
“With such a strong showing of GASAA member interest in the ballot and the 100 per cent “yes” vote, the way is now clear for Fair Work Australia (FWA) to approve the coming together of the two registered employer bodies,” he said.
Mr Knespal said FWA would shortly advise the associations of the next and likely final step to formally amalgamate.
“It will now be a matter of the final procedural requirements and the schedule of the Senior Deputy President in dealing with the matter along with the FWA office processing the results in the lead up to Christmas to determine how soon things can be officially signed off.
“While we wait for the official OK from FWA, all the practical requirements for a smooth integration with Printing Industries are now in place. GASAA stands ready to play its role in assisting the combined membership and wider industry meet the challenges ahead,” he said.
Printing Industries CEO Bill Healey said he welcomed completion of the ballot and the unanimous “yes” vote.
He said that because of Printing Industries’ larger membership base, it was exempt from needing a ballot as both governing boards had previously resolved to apply for the amalgamation.
“I am very pleased with the outcome and confident all necessary processes will be completed to schedule allowing the amalgamated organisation to be operational from the beginning of the New Year.
“This has been a long but necessary process made easier by the co-operation of both associations and the in-house expertise of Printing Industries' Workplace Relations and Legal Services in managing the required Fair Work Australia processes,” he said.
Printing Industries Association of Australia
www.printnet.com.au
