Unions representing Chevron’s workers at the Gorgon and Wheatstone LNG export terminals in Western Australia have on Friday decided to suspend strikes that began two weeks ago.
“We are pleased to confirm Chevron Australia, the Australian Workers’ Union (AWU), and the Communication, Electrical and Plumbing Union (CEPU) have accepted the recommendation of the Fair Work Commission,” a Chevron spokesperson told LNG Prime on Friday.
The recommendation resolves the issues that remained outstanding following conciliation sessions this week.
Chevron’s spokesperson said that the unions have advised Chevron Australia and the FWC that they have suspended the industrial action.
Moreover, the spokesperson said that Chevron is now working to finalize the enterprise agreements for the LNG facilities.
Prior to this, Chevron has on Thursday accepted recommendations made by Australia’s workplace tribunal FWC.
Workers to vote on new agreements
“The applications for intractable bargaining declarations are adjourned to enable the process of finalizing drafting of the agreements to occur before they are voted on by employees and, if voted up, submitted to the Fair Work Commission for approval,” the spokesperson said.
Chevron said that the company has “continued to meet all our commitments to domestic and international customers during this time.”
Earlier this week, Chevron’s unit in Australia and unions failed to reach a deal and end the strike actions.
Workers at Chevron’s Gorgon and Wheatstone LNG plants and the Wheatstone platform started protected industrial action on September 8.
The Gorgon LNG plant on Barrow Island has a production capacity of some 15.5 mtpa. The Wheatstone LNG plant near Onslow has a capacity of about 8.9 mtpa.
