Mermaid Marine’s supply base in Dampier faces industrial disruption over the next ten days after a group of workers rejected a pay offer that would have lifted their total remuneration to $191,000 per year.
The Maritime Union of Australia said today Mermaid had rejected a compromise agreement to end a protracted industrial dispute, which it said has stemmed from workers’ inability to meet high cost of living requirements in the Pilbara.
The MUA said Mermaid Marine’s base rate of pay is $58,000, and it is asking for a 10 per cent base increase, to help workers pay average rents in the Pilbara of $1,800 per week.
The company presented a very different set of numbers. It said the Dampier supply base employees currently earn an annual salary of $100,342 and total remuneration of $155,454 after adding in allowances.
The company said it had offered rental assistance that would lift total remuneration to $191,280.
Mermaid chief executive Jeff Weber said "it is incredible that a responsible union official can reject an offer that addresses all the key claims".
The company said the industrial action will involve approximately 30 supply base employees and is not expected to directly impact upon its slipway or vessel operations.
The supply base is used by a number of oil and gas operators in the region, including Chevron's Gorgon gas project located offshore on Barrow Island.
MUA WA secretary Chris Cain said there appeared to be no end in sight to the dispute.
“What this dispute is about is making sure workers are fairly compensated for their work, and able to live in their community,” he said.
“Everyone knows the cost of living in the Pilbara is huge. All we are asking is that workers living in the area are able to afford to rent a home and put food on the table.”