Unions representing workers at Chevron's liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities in Australia have reinforced their intention to resume strikes this week, even as talks mediated by the Fair Work Commission have persisted. The development has triggered a strong response from Chevron, with the company denouncing the unions' position as unreasonable and disruptive.

The previous agreement that had resolved weeks of strikes in September disintegrated recently, with the unions accusing Chevron of failing to honor commitments. The proposed strikes are expected to impact operations at the Gorgon and Wheatstone sites, which collectively contribute around 6% of the global LNG supply.

Despite ongoing negotiations facilitated by the Fair Work Commission, both parties remain at odds on crucial issues, necessitating a potential shift in Chevron's stance to avert the resumption of strikes, according to an unnamed union representative. The Offshore Alliance, a conglomeration of two unions, has yet to issue an official statement in response to the latest developments.

In response to the union's decision to proceed with the strike plan, Chevron expressed profound disappointment, emphasizing the unions' defiance of the arbitrator's request. The company underscored the considerable progress achieved prior to seeking the Commission's intervention, further criticizing the unions for introducing new matters into the dispute and withholding consent on other issues pending member votes.

Over the weekend, the Offshore Alliance conducted a ballot, with a significant majority of 91% of members reaffirming the decision to proceed with the planned strikes starting from October 19. The union's message conveyed members' discontent with what they perceived as Chevron's manipulation of the terms of their enterprise bargaining agreements, vowing to intensify protected industrial action until their demands are satisfactorily addressed.