The industrial umpire says unions and Chevron are “on the precipice” of a deal in an unusual move that could upset the gas giant’s desire to force the dispute into arbitration.
The industrial umpire has urged Chevron and unions to agree on key compromises as part of their industrial dispute that is disrupting three major LNG facilities, in an unusual move that could head off
The unusual statement could play into the position of the unions, which have opposed Chevron’s push for arbitration of the dispute – ending ongoing strikes – on grounds bargaining is not “intractable” and they can still reach a deal., Mr Riordan says the parties are close to an agreement on wages and conditions after “countless” hours negotiating.
Energy analyst Saul Kavonic, who has been closely tracking the industrial dispute, said he believed the arbitration would probably still go ahead despite the mediator’s attempt to avoid it. “An arbitration hearing could cut that time short, and thereby benefit Chevron. It may set a new industrial relations precedent whereby employers just need to withstand industrial action long enough until they can achieve a forced arbitration outcome.”