BNR – Energy giant Chevron and a consortium of unions have successfully negotiated an agreement.

They put an end to the ongoing strikes at two major liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities in Australia.

Workers have voted in favour of the proposed agreement presented by the country’s labour regulatory body, the Offshore Alliance.

The recent industrial actions, which began on September 8, have now been temporarily suspended, as confirmed by the company.

Pay and Working Condition Concerns

These strikes had primarily been instigated by concerns related to pay and working conditions at the Gorgon and Wheatstone facilities.

Brad Gandy, a spokesperson for the Offshore Alliance, said, “At a late-night mass meeting, members endorsed the latest offer which incorporates the Fair Work Commission’s recommendations.”

Indeed, this agreement signifies the resolution of key issues and signals an end to the current industrial unrest.

Australia’s industrial arbitration authority, the Fair Work Commission, played a pivotal role by mediating between Chevron and labour unions.

“The Offshore Alliance will now collaborate with Chevron to finalise the agreement’s drafting,” Grandy added. “Members will soon cease their ongoing industrial actions.”

Chevron Spokesperson Affirms

A Chevron Australia spokesperson affirmed that the accord addresses the outstanding matters that remained unresolved following the conciliation sessions.

It’s worth noting that Chevron’s Gorgon and Wheatstone plants constitute a substantial portion of global liquefied natural gas (LNG) production.

The prolonged labour dispute has raised concerns within LNG markets due to potential implications for global gas supplies.

In an energy landscape already grappling with volatility since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last year, the strikes amplified anxieties.

Soaring oil and gas prices have led to significant hikes in energy expenses for households and businesses worldwide.

The Kremlin’s reduction of LNG supplies to Europe had further pushed countries to seek alternative energy sources.

Australia ranks among the world’s largest LNG exporters, alongside Qatar and the United States. Moreover, its consistent supply of LNG had helped stabilise global energy prices.

Saul Kavonic, an expert in the energy industry, also emphasised the repercussions of the labour unrest.