Inpex and Unions Reach Deal, Ending LNG Plant Strikes

Operations have resumed at Inpex's Ichthys LNG facility in Darwin after unions and the Japanese company struck a deal overnight, ending weeks of industrial action. The agreement, reached after months of tough negotiations, averts potential disruptions to critical LNG exports to Asia amid a global fuel crisis. Workers had been striking since early June when negotiations broke down, but an in-principle deal was finalized Tuesday night. A formal vote by union members is expected soon to ratify the agreement. Sources indicate the deal includes 3.75 percent annual pay increases and enhancements to job security and career progression systems, key points of contention. Inpex has been contacted for comment and has not yet confirmed the details. The Ichthys facility employs over 400 workers and processes gas from offshore Western Australia before shipping it from Darwin. The Electrical Trades Union and the Offshore Alliance, representing the workers, had previously lost a bid to prevent industrial action in the Fair Work Commission, despite Inpex arguing it would cause significant economic damage and jeopardize trade ties. The commission, however, found the strikes would not damage Australia's economy, though they threatened a full production stoppage. Several vessels destined for Asia were reportedly delayed due to the industrial action.