Garry Knespal, executive officer, GASAA says, “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.

Bill Healey, CEO, Printing Industries has welcomed the result. He says, “I am 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.”

PIAA members have not voted, Healey says 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.

According to Knespal  Fair Work Australia (FWA) will shortly advise the associations of the next and likely final step to formally amalgamate.

Knespal says, “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.”

GASAA is waiting for an official green light from FWA, all the practical requirements for an integration with Printing Industries are now in place. Knespal says “GASAA is ready to play its role in assisting the combined membership and the challenges ahead for the industry.”

Healey says, “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.”

Comment below to have your say on this story.

If you have a news story or tip-off, get in touch at editorial@sprinter.com.au.  

Sign up to the Sprinter newsletter