Boeing Secret Ballot Decision Welcomed

Australian Workers' Union National Secretary Bill Shorten said the workers had sought the ballot, which will determine support for a collective agreement.

"This decision means that, for the first time, the respective employees at Williamtown will be able to exercise their democratic right to say what form of industrial regulation they wish to work under," Mr Shorten said.

"We welcome the reasonable and structured process proposed by the Commission," he said.

"In light of this decision, we again call on Boeing to reconsider its position and to begin meaningful negotiations with the AWU towards a collective agreement."