Subscribe to RSS feedWA calls for federal intervention on MUA strikes
Western Australian premier Colin Barnett and mines and petroleum minister Norman Moore weighed into the Maritime Union of Australia's offshore support industrial campaign today, calling on the Federal Government to intervene.
The move came as a four-day strike was due to start involving Total Marine Services.
Mr Barnett said federal workplace relations minister Julia Gillard should bring her powers to bear on the union, which is pursuing improved pay and conditions under a new enterprise bargaining agreement, negotiations for which have been ongoing for more than a year.
"If she does not have the legislative powers, then it is incumbent on the Federal Government to take action now to introduce the necessary powers,” Mr Barnett said.
"We cannot wait until this vital industry is on its knees because of irresponsible union action.
"I would urge the national leadership of the MUA to talk sense into its WA branch.
"The offer its members have been given is more than reasonable and its claims would be offensive to the average West Australian."
Mr Moore said he had received advice that the strike action due to begin today could have a collective impact, costing several million dollars each day, on construction projects such as Woodside’s and BHP Billiton’s Pluto and Pyrenees developments.
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