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MUA signs work arrangements with INPEX

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LNG Industry,


The Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) has announced that it has signed new work arrangements with INPEX regarding the Ichthys LNG project, helping to support up to 2000 jobs.

The Enhanced Dispute Settlement Process, Development & Production Arrangement (EDSPDPA) will remain valid until 2030, and includes commitments towards the development of maritime employees, the implementation of a diversity programme, and the promotion of Australian crew on particular project support vessels.

These commitments aim to retain and enhance both the experience and skills of Australian maritime workers in the offshore oil and gas sector. They also involve an enhanced dispute settlement process with a dedicated conciliator to help resolve potential disputes without having to use industrial action.

Christ Cain, MUA Western Australian Branch Secretary and National President, said that these arrangements cover accommodation vessels, supply vessels, seismic vessels, drilling rigs, and rig tenders.

Cain said: “As a result of this arrangement, we expect there will be up to 2000 Australian jobs on the project – not just for MUA seafarers but other maritime workers as well, all on Aussie wages and conditions.

“This is great news for Australian workers who have been experiencing the recent downturn in offshore oil and gas construction and we’d like to thank INPEX for sitting down with us and finding a way to maximise local jobs on this important project.

“The MUA always stands up for our members and other Australian workers and has led from the front in these negotiations.”

In addition to the MUA, the agreement covers the Australian Institute of Marine and Power Engineers (AIMPE) and the Australian Maritime Officers Union (AMOU).

Paddy Crumlin, MUA National Secretary and International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) President, said: “This announcement provides great relief to our members and other Australian workers, many of whom are currently unemployed and rightly expect to have first crack at jobs in their own country, rather than 457s and other overseas workers who are introduced to this and other Australian industries with no other rationale other than to undercut pay and conditions.

“These natural resources belong to the Australian people and are our sovereign wealth now and going forward. Consequentially and properly, the benefits of our assets must also flow to the entire community through Australian job opportunities.

“These types of work arrangements are incredibly important to provide investment certainty and security of supply and it is worth noting that since the MUA and the other Maritime Unions signed a similar agreement covering the north-west shelf in the 1980s, not a single day has been lost to industrial action.”

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/liquefaction/03032017/mua-signs-work-arrangements-with-inpex/

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