Landmark industrial relations framework agreed for Burrup

20/11/03 The Gallop Government and the ACTU have brokered a landmark framework for industrial relations for the Burrup Fertilisers project designed to assist the project being delivered on time and within budget.

20/11/03
The Gallop Government and the ACTU have brokered a landmark framework for industrial relations for the Burrup Fertilisers project designed to assist the project being delivered on time and within budget.
The framework is also expected to form the basis of industrial relations agreements for future projects on the Burrup Peninsula.
The framework was signed on behalf of the State Government by State Development Minister Clive Brown, by Stephanie Mayman on behalf of the ACTU, and by the secretaries of the four major construction unions: Jock Ferguson (AMWU), Kevin Reynolds (CFMEU), Tim Daly (AWU) and Bill Game (CEPU).
State Development Minister Clive Brown said the framework was an important industrial relations achievement and should give greater confidence to international investors seeking to invest on the Burrup.
"This industrial relations framework indicates the commitment of the four major construction unions to see the successful development of the Burrup Fertilisers project," Mr Brown said.
"Like the Gallop Government and Western Australia's business community, the four major construction unions recognise the jobs and opportunities that major downstream projects bring to WA and their importance to the State's economic future.
"I commend the AMWU, the CFMEU, the AWU and the CEPU for their commitment to development on the Burrup and urge each union to continue to work within the agreed framework."
Core elements of the agreement would see:

  • the terms and conditions of employment in the enterprise agreement continuing until construction of the project was complete;
  • each union commit to the safety procedures that would apply in relation to the project and the provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984;
  • each union agree to define the classification of work to be covered by that union and each union agree that it would not seek to enrol as a member or seek to represent the industrial interests of any person who was proposed to be engaged in work not covered by the classifications defined in the agreement for that union;
  • any dispute between any of the unions concerning union membership or which union should represent the industrial interests of any person working on the project referred to the ACTU for determination, and each of the unions agree to abide by the ACTU determination; and
  • each of the unions commit not to engage in or organise any industrial action in relation to the project concerning any dispute between any of the unions or any other union affiliated with the ACTU in respect of the project.
Mr Brown said the framework was designed to provide a greater level of certainty and predictability, something that would enhance the capacity of the State to capture more internationally footloose capital for major projects and thereby create more business and employment opportunities.
Minister's office: 9222 9699