Chevron strike action to end soon

Chevron Australia and Offshore Alliance members have agreed to draft revised enterprise agreements, paving the way for an end to strike action off WA's coast.

Citing guidance received from Fair Work commissioner Bernie Riordan ahead of a scheduled hearing on Friday, a spokesperson for the LNG producer said it had written to the unions to resolve outstanding issues and finalise terms. 

“Today, we were provided a recommendation from Commissioner Riordan,” the Chevron spokesperson said.

“After considering the recommendation, Chevron has accepted the recommendation to resolve all outstanding issues and finalise the agreements.

“We have informed the commissioner of our position and written to the unions and other employee bargaining representatives confirming our acceptance.”

The acceptance is a major milestone in an industrial action saga at Chevron’s Wheatstone and Gorgon facilities, where work has been disrupted since September 8.

Full strikes started on September 14.

Chevron subsequently applied for intractable bargaining declarations over the industrial action, a move which put the two parties into mediation in a bid to reach consensus ahead of Friday’s hearing.

Offshore Alliance had accused Chevron of failing to come to the party in negations, a claim refuted by Chevron throughout the process.

“Chevron Australia has consistently engaged in meaningful negotiations in an effort to finalise Enterprise Agreements with market competitive remuneration and conditions,” the spokesperson said.

Offshore Alliance confirmed on Friday morning that its members at Chevron had endorsed a recommendation from the producer at a late-night meeting of more than 350 people. 

It said the most recent proposed enterprise agreements included substantial improvements and agreed to work with the producer to finalise the agreements. 

"Commissioner Riordan's recommendation contains substantial improvements in terms and conditions of employment including increase remuneration, job security, locked-in rosters, career progression and returning all employees to a 40 per cent roster," Offshore Alliance spokesperson Brad Gandy said.

Offshore Alliance said its members would soon end their industrial action against the company, with lawyers telling the Fair Work Commission's brief hearing this morning that the message had been sent to its workers to cease action. 

The Fair Work Commission adjourned Chevron's application of intractable bargaining for a period of four weeks to give the parties time to finalise a deal.