Chevron Australia LNG workers threaten to resume strikes

The news: Workers at Chevron's two major liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects in Australia have voted to restart strikes after accusing the US energy major of reneging on commitments to the industrial arbitrator.

The numbers: Negotiations between Chevron and workers at its Gorgon and Wheatstone facilities have broken down, nearly two weeks after both parties agreed to accept terms on pay and conditions proposed by Australia’s Fair Work Commission. The two plants supply around 7% of the global LNG market, and the long running dispute has upended global gas prices.

The context: Workers voted late on Thursday to restart strike action but must formally provide Chevron seven days' notice before any strikes can start. While both parties had made progress drafting the agreement, differences remained over issues such as reimbursements for meals and travel for training. If the two sides fail to reach a deal, the matter could go back to the Fair Work Commission, which had been due to begin hearings in late September but adjourned them when the parties reached an 11th-hour agreement.