Woodside has been given a two-week ultimatum to avoid industrial action by workers on its offshore gas platforms in the Pilbara over a protracted bargaining dispute.
Offshore Alliance on Sunday confirmed members would walk off the job as early as September 2 should an agreement fail to be reached between the union and Woodside.
It comes after a meeting between Offshore Alliance and its affected members where it was unanimously decided to serve Woodside notice of proposed protected industrial action after the next bargaining meeting.
The dispute centres on three platforms servicing Woodside’s North West Shelf operations in the Pilbara where the bulk of the 150-strong workforce could down tools according to the union.
A meeting slated for Wednesday between the gas giant and union looms as a critical juncture in the dispute, with the union saying a “disappointing” outcome would be the catalyst for industrial action.
The parties have been engaged in negotiations all year over union demands to stamp out hiring of low-wage contractors, increase pay, ensure workers have a say in roster changes, and career progression.
Woodside insists progress was being made and the bargaining process had been constructive to date.
Australian Workers Union WA secretary Brad Gandy said Woodside was leaving the union with little option other than industrial action.
“Woodside tried every tactic it could think of to avoid bargaining with its workers as a collective, but in the end the company failed to maintain the status quo it liked – one where what the company says goes,” he said.
“The Alliance first approached Woodside to bargain for an agreement to apply to the NWS platforms in May 2022.
“Woodside has dragged this out and brought us all along with them.
“Woodside must now realise that we are not going away.”
A Woodside spokesperson said an in-principle agreement had been reached earlier in the month on several key issues.
"Woodside has engaged actively and constructively in the bargaining process," they said.
"We recognise PIA is a right and we did not oppose the protected action ballot application.
"Our employees have demonstrated willingness over a number of years to work constructively with us to resolve issues and, despite the protected action ballot order, we are hopeful that this approach will continue."
Offshore Alliance is also canvassing members working at Chevron’s Pilbara operations off Onslow to take similar action.
A result on that ballot is expected on Thursday.
