Hour-long work stoppages at bulk liquid handler Quantem’s North Fremantle facilities will not have a significant impact on operations, according to the facility operator.
Hour-long work stoppages at bulk liquid handler Quantem’s North Fremantle facilities will not have a significant impact on operations, according to the facility operator.
The Bulk Liquids Alliance made up of representatives from the Maritime Union of Australia, the CFMEU and the United Workers Union revealed they would take one-hour coordinated strike action at national sites including North Fremantle from today.
The move has been taken as part of negotiations over an enterprise agreement, with the unions claiming Quantem management had attempted to “slash wages by more than $25,000” in some cases.
Quantem is one of the nation’s largest bulk fuel suppliers, and said hour-long protected action stoppages would be carried out at its North Fremantle facility.
The company said its focus would remain on providing a safe operating environment and minimising disruption for its customers.
“Quantem is ensuring sufficient resources are at site so that normal operations are maintained during this period,” a spokesperson said.
“We do not expect disruption to customers from this action.”
The company said it remained open to good faith negotiations with union employees and their representatives across the country.
Bulk Liquids Alliance organiser Shane Reside accused the company of attempting to “bully” workers.
“Quantem appear to be pushing this dispute off a cliff,” he said.
“This unhinged approach to negotiations is potentially going to have significant implications for fuel supply around the country, including airports.”
Protected industrial action against Quantem was approved through a Fair Work Commission ballot conducted by the unions in April.
Quantem’s North Fremantle facility houses 26 tanks storing fats and oils, combustible liquids and corrosive liquids.
