Aussie Workers Sidelined

Date: 21 September 2005

Global Oil Giant ChevronTexaco has contracted cheap Russian Labour to begin work today on the world's largest Liquefied Natural Gas project located of the coast of Western Australia.

The Australian Workers' Union has condemned the move which has resulted in the Russian drilling vessel S.R.V. Bavenit docking today at Dampier Port in Western Australia with a Russian drilling crew.

AWU National Secretary Bill Shorten said this work has always been carried out by Australian workers but in this case ChevronTexaco has left Aussies workers standing on the beach watching the Russian crew perform their work at massively inferior terms and conditions.

"Several of our officials in the Pilbara will meet the vessel when it docks this morning and they intend to meet with the owners of the vessel to demand Australian workers and Australian workplace conditions be employed on the vessel."

"Our officials have been in contact with some of crew whilst the vessel waits to dock and will be also meeting with some of the crew. We have been in contact with the unions including the MUA representing the marine crew who have expressed their support for our campaign. We also understand that those unions already have concerns regarding safety conditions on the vessel."

"This project to drill liquefied natural gas is worth $11 billion to the Australian economy - yet it won't benefit Aussie workers whilst foreign workers draw the direct benefits from our nation's resources."

"Its about time the Federal Government steps in and ensures Aussie jobs go to Aussie workers - however they seem more interested in finding ways to drive down wages and conditions to the same levels as those who work in Russia" Mr. Shorten said.

The AWU has made representations to the WA State Government and Federal Government on the issue and is considering taking by all possible action to ensure Australian workers have right of preference for Australian jobs in the Oil and Gas Industry.

For further information

Contact:	Ainslie Gowan
Union:	The Australian Workers' Union
Phone:	03 8327 0888
WWW:	http://www.awu.net.au

LaborNET is proudly created, designed and programmed
by Social Change Online for the Labor Council of NSW
[Credits] [Site Matters]