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AMMA seeks to halt Tidewater strike

AMMA seeks to halt Tidewater strike.

The peak mining body is seeking to put a legal stop to next week's planned 48-hour strike over the Tidewater pay deal dispute.

The maritime union earlier this week announced that about 100 workers employed by Tidewater on maritime projects across Australia, including cooks, cleaners and stewards, would walk off the job for two days.

But The Australian Mines and Metals Association has applied to the Fair Work Commission to withdraw approval for a stoppage, claiming the union's alleged failure to negotiate in good faith should render the strike unlawful.

Under federal industrial law, industrial action is only lawful during negotiation periods when there is evidence that the union is genuinely seeking to reach agreement.

AMMA executive director Scott Barklamb said AMMA would provide evidence to the Commission that this was not the case.

"Between the offshore negotiations managed by AMMA and the separate issue at Port Hedland, the MUA appears to be waging some sort of misguided industrial war against the resource industry," he said.

"Last year the union rejected a responsible and fair offer and its officials are now deceiving their members by saying the industry withdrew it."

AMMA had last year offered the workers 16.5 per cent more money over four years, though it was contingent on the union accepting the entire package.

The MUA wants to accept the pay offer, but wants a change to the workers' rosters.

The deal affects about 100 workers employed by 21 vessel operators, working on a range of projects including Wheatstone.

The MUA has been contacted for comment.