Workers at Chevron’s Gorgon and Wheatstone Downstream gas processing facilities in northwest Western Australia have rejected an enterprise agreement (EA) that was not endorsed by their negotiating team. As a result, they are now preparing for industrial action. The Offshore Alliance, which represents the workers, has informed Chevron that its members will begin protected industrial action (PIA) at the three facilities on September 7.
The PIA incorporates various types of industrial action, including work bans and potential work stoppages. These measures have been approved by Australia’s Fair Work Commission. In response to the planned industrial action, Chevron has applied to the Fair Work Commission for assistance in resolving the dispute.
The Offshore Alliance is primarily seeking remuneration levels that are in line with industry standards set by Chevron’s competitors, such as Shell, INPEX, and Woodside. Thus far, Chevron has proposed remuneration terms that are lower than those offered by some Tier 2 oil and gas operators in the region.
The spokesperson for The Offshore Alliance, Brad Gandy, who is also the Australian Workers’ Union WA Secretary, noted that the workers simply want employment conditions that meet the industry standard, including family-friendly rosters, job security, and fair remuneration. Other matters that need to be resolved include overcycle, training standards, rates of pay, and travel arrangements.
Gandy highlighted the disappointing outcome of the ballot on the proposed enterprise agreements, which Chevron had presented as a potential solution to the ongoing dispute. He emphasized that Chevron’s only viable option now is to take the workers’ claims seriously and address the issues at hand.
The Offshore Alliance is a collaboration between The Australian Workers’ Union and the Maritime Union of Australia.
