Inpex executive: Inpex confirms it is continuing to engage in enterprise agreement negotiations with Ichthys LNG workers

Workers at Inpex's Ichthys LNG facilities in Australia have escalated their strike action following stalled negotiations over a wage dispute, according to the Offshore Alliance union. The union, comprising the Maritime Union of Australia and the Australian Workers' Union, announced that four-hour work stoppages initiated last week would increase to eight hours per day, with additional work bans planned for Thursday. The escalation follows claims that Inpex, Japan’s largest oil and gas explorer, has reneged on terms agreed during a Fair Work Commission-facilitated bargaining session. The company is reportedly seeking an enterprise bargaining agreement with less favorable conditions, including fewer full-time positions, and lower pay relative to workers’ competency levels.

Inpex has confirmed it remains engaged in enterprise agreement negotiations with the workers. The Ichthys LNG project accounts for approximately 10% of Australia’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply, a critical component of the country’s status as the world’s second-largest LNG exporter. The strike could impact supply stability amid global demand pressures. Reuters was unable to obtain direct comment from Inpex for this report.