Union claims Teekay pressure
The union representing marine engineers claims it is being pressured by Teekay Shipping to change an agreement to help Teekay keep a towage contract.
The Australian Institute of Marine and Power Engineers claims Teekay is pushing for the change to an enterprise bargaining agreement at Port Hedland Port finalised late last year.
AIMPE organiser Andrew Williamson claimed Teekay wanted a roster change so it could reduce costs and boost its chances of renewing its contract with BHP Billiton at the port later this year.
Teekay, which would not comment, has been providing towage services at the port for a decade.
But BHP Billiton recently gave the contract for an extra four tugs at the harbour to Queensland's Rivtow Marine.
It is understood the mining giant was seeking to mitigate its risks after Teekay spent much of last year mired in an industrial dispute with the AIMPE.
Mr Williamson said the union would raise the matter with workers but any change must be linked to the successful renewal of its contract with BHP.
The union this week sent a letter to Teekay's managing director David Parmeter, complaining that moves to undermine an agreement could be illegal.
It said the union reserved its rights to have both Teekay and BHP Billiton investigated for a possible contravention of the Fair Work Act.
