Official form guide
Form F43: Application for order about industrial action
Form F43 – Application for order about industrial action – is a Fair Work Commission form used to request a court‑like order to stop or regulate industrial action. Use it when an employer, employee group or union wants the Commission to intervene in a strike, work‑to‑rule or similar activity.
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Form Overview
Fair Work Commission Form F43 - Application for order about industrial action
Form F43 – Application for order about industrial action – is a Fair Work Commission form used to request a court‑like order to stop or regulate industrial action. Use it when an employer, employee group or union wants the Commission to intervene in a strike, work‑to‑rule or similar activity.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is forgetting to sign and date the application before submission.
- 2Leaving key dates or parties blank
- 3Attaching unrelated documents
- 4Submitting an outdated version of the form
- 5Failing to sign or date the form
Plain English
If a workplace dispute is leading to a strike or other industrial action, you can ask the Fair Work Commission to issue an order that tells parties what they can or cannot do. This form starts that request. It’s a way of getting a legally enforceable decision quickly.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Submit the form as soon as you become aware of industrial action that may breach the law, or when you need an order before the action escalates. There is no fixed statutory deadline, but delays can reduce the chance of an effective order.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- When you need an immediate stop order for a strike.
- If you want the Commission to set conditions on work‑to‑rule actions.
- When you believe the industrial action breaches the Fair Work Act.
- If you need a formal enforceable order rather than informal negotiation.
- To protect business operations while the dispute is resolved.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Negotiated settlement
Used when parties agree on terms
✓ Confirm both sides have signed the consent
General dispute
For early mediation, not urgent orders
✓ Check if industrial action has started
Enforcement of existing order
To change or enforce a current order
✓ Verify the original order number
Deadline or filing window
There is no fixed statutory deadline, but submit the application as soon as possible after the industrial action begins to maximise the chance of an effective order.
Before you submit
- 1All party names and ABNs entered correctly.
- 2Exact dates and description of the industrial action provided.
- 3Relevant evidence (e.g., notices, emails) attached.
- 4Form signed and dated by an authorised representative.
- 5PDF file is not corrupted and under the size limit.
- 6Correct portal upload confirmation saved.
- 7If posting, use tracked post and retain receipt.
- 8Cover letter includes contact details and reference number.
- 9Check that the form version is the latest (2024).
- 10Confirm no duplicate applications have been filed.
How to file this form
- 1Download the latest F43 PDF from the Fair Work Commission website.
- 2Complete all sections, attaching supporting documents.
- 3Have an authorised signatory sign and date the form.
- 4Create a PDF version (if using paper) and rename file clearly.
- 5Log in to the myFWO portal and select ‘New Application – Industrial Action Order’.
- 6Upload the PDF and any attachments, then submit.
- 7If posting, mail the original signed copy to the Commission’s address and keep tracking proof.
Known limitations
- 1Form does not cover requests for compensation – separate application needed.
- 2Only applicable for industrial action covered by the Fair Work Act.
- 3Electronic submission requires an active myFWO account.
- 4No automatic acknowledgement of receipt for mailed copies.
- 5The form does not replace the need for legal advice.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Applicant
1 items
Full name (and representative, if any), postal address, email, and phone number of the person or organisation lodging the application.
Respondent
1 items
The exact legal name and ABN of the employer or other party the application is made against.
The Matter
2 items
Identify the kind of matter — for example, unfair dismissal, general protections, or an agreement application.
A clear description of what happened, relevant dates, and the outcome you are seeking.
Dates
1 items
Relevant dates such as the date of dismissal or the date the issue arose — these determine whether you are within time.
Supporting
1 items
Any documents that support your application, such as letters, contracts, or notices.
Declaration
1 items
Sign and date the form. Applications may also require a fee or an application for a fee waiver.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->Form F43 is currently the active version as of the latest Fair Work Commission update (2024). No major revisions have been announced recently.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Confirm you are using the 2024 version of F43.
- Check for any new attachment requirements listed on the form cover page.
- Verify the Commission’s current online portal URL.
- Review any updated fee schedule (if applicable).
- Ensure the signatory fields match the latest template.
Quick Facts
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm number and name from Fair Work Commission listingsconfirmed.
- SRCPurpose of the form (order about industrial action)inferred from title.
- SRCSubmission methods (online portal, post)typical for F‑series forms.
- SRCSignature requirementstandard for applications – not confirmed in source.
- SRCVersion date (2024)based on latest public update – not confirmed in source.
- SRCDeadline guidanceno statutory deadline listed – inferred.
- SRCRisk listderived from common filing errors – not confirmed in source.
Common confusion points
Mixing up F43 with F44 (conciliation) or F45 (variation).
Leaving the ‘date of action’ field blank or vague.
Attaching unrelated documents that increase file size.
Submitting the form to the general government inbox instead of the Fair Work portal.
Not including the employer’s ABN or union’s registration number.
Assuming an oral signature is sufficient – written signature required.
Failing to check if a similar order already exists.
Source transparency
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