PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Industrial action at the US Gorgon and Wheatstone liquefied natural gas (LNG) operations could come to a close as unions and US energy major Chevron agreed to a deal proposed by the Fair Work Commission.
Members from the Offshore Alliance working on Chevron’s Gorgon and Wheatstone platforms, as well as the Wheatstone downstream operations, went on strike earlier this month after the oil and gas giant failed to meet worker demands over remuneration.
The Offshore Alliance said on Friday that a late night mass meeting between the Fair Work Commission and over 350 workers, resulted in the workers endorsing the recommendations.
The proposed enterprise agreements, which incorporate the Commissioner's recommendations, contain substantial improvements in terms and conditions of employment including increased remuneration, job security, locked-in rosters, career progression and returning all employees to a 40% roster.
The Offshore Alliance said it will now work with Chevron to finalise the drafting of the three agreements and members will soon cease current industrial action.
Offshore Alliance spokesperson Australian Worker’s Union Western Australia secretary Brad Gandy said Offshore Alliance members carefully considered the Commissioner’s recommendation before endorsing it.
“The Commissioner’s recommendation contains substantial improvements in terms and conditions of employment including increased remuneration, job security, locked-in rosters, career progression and returning all employees to a 40% roster,” said Gandy.
“'The Offshore Alliance is a member-led union and at a late night mass meeting members endorsed the latest offer which incorporates the Fair Work Commission's recommendations.
“The Offshore Alliance will now work with Chevron to finalise the drafting of the agreement and members will soon cease current industrial action.”