United Voice News
Weekend petrol safe after refinery jobs saved
Motorists across Victoria and Tasmania have narrowly avoided running out of petrol this weekend after specialist decontamination cleaners won a guarantee that their jobs and pay at Shell’s Geelong Oil Refinery will be secured.
The specialist decontamination cleaners were poised to walk off the job this afternoon if a deal to save their jobs had not been reached.
There were grave fears a strike could have caused petrol bowsers across two states to run dry by the weekend, causing chaos for motorists, heavy transport and even air traffic.
“We’re pleased to announce there will be no interruption to weekend petrol supplies,” said Jess Walsh, Victorian Secretary of LHMU, the Cleaners Union.
“After some tense negotiations, decency has finally prevailed.”
“These workers have been offered jobs with the incoming contractor, ISS Cleaning, without any reduction in their rate of pay.”
“This is a huge win for these workers, who were told last week that their employment would be terminated this Friday.”
“Some of these workers have been at the refinery for more than twenty years.”
“This means the current workforce can breathe a huge sigh of relief, for themselves and their families, now that their jobs and pay rates are guaranteed.”
“ISS Cleaning has also agreed to pay the wage rates under the current union agreement and offered to pay a four percent increase for later this year, as part of a new union agreement.”
“Everyone is very happy.”
“We’re pleased ISS engaged constructively in these negotiations and look forward to working positively with them into the future.”
Geelong’s Shell Oil Refinery processes up to 120,000 barrels of oil a day and supplies fuel petrol, diesel and jet fuel to much of Victoria and Tasmania.
The specialist cleaners decontaminate critical safety clothing at Shell’s Geelong Refinery, including protective acid suits and masks used by maintenance staff to fix leaks and spills.
They are absolutely vital to ensuring the site is a safe place to work for refinery workers and that there are no environmental disasters.
Shell has 470 employees and hundreds of contractors working at its Geelong refinery.
Congratulations on a good result. More strength to you.
Yours fraternally
Ray Anderson
(Member PTEU)