Pilbara supply base strike called off
The Maritime Union of Australia has called off a 10-day strike at a key Pilbara marine supply base.
The union said it had cancelled the industrial action after "encouraging" talks with operator Mermaid Marine Australia over the past two days.
The base which serves Chevron's Gorgon project along with other oil and gas clients had been headed for disruption from tomorrow with 65 stevedores about to walk off the job.
MUA WA assistant secretary Doug Heath said the protected action was called off in the hope an enterprise bargaining agreement could be reached.
"Over the last 48 hours, some very constructive discussions have been held and we want to give those discussions time to reach a positive conclusion," Mr Heath said.
"The MUA WA always treats strike action as a last resort," he said.
The union had called the strike after claiming Mermaid had not been taking the EBA negotiations seriously. Mermaid rejected the accusation.
"The MUAWA will keep our options open regarding future action, but we are optimistic that we might reach an outcome without having to resort to strike action," Mr Heath said.
Mermaid said it was seeking market competitive wages and conditions, long-term employment security and flexibility to service clients' changing needs.
"MMA continues to meet with the MUA in an effort to reach a fair and reasonable outcome for all parties," the company said.
Mermaid's shares were up 5 cents, or 2.5 per cent, to $2.07 at 12.36pm.
