ATTEMPTS to resolve a dispute between AGL Energy and unions at Victoria’s biggest power station continue after negotiations between the pair were extended.
It comes after AGL threatened to lock out its entire workforce and shut down the power plant and associated mine from May 15, due to a long-running dispute over a new enterprise-bargaining agreement.
At the time, AGL conceded it was left with no other option but to close the power plant and mine after union threats of rolling stoppages compromised safe operations.
Industrial Relations Minister Natalie Hutchins intervened and made an application to the Fair Work Commission to end the industrial action.
Deputy President Richard Clancy approved the application, issuing an order under s424 to stop the proposed strikes.
The negotiation period has now been stretched out a further three weeks after the Fair Work Commission stated that “significant progress” had been made in the first 21 days since bargaining was terminated.
On Monday, Commissioner Roe granted an extension on the negotiating period, stating he was content that the application has been made jointly by all bargaining representatives, prior to the initial 21 day period expiring.
Commissioner Roe waived any procedural rules and considered an email from the bargaining representatives as an acceptable form for an application under s266(4) of the Fair Work Act for the 21 day extension.
The negotiation period has now been extended from 21 to 42 days.
The long-running dispute between AGL and the Construction Forestry Mining Energy Union and the Electrical Trades Union (ETU) Victorian branch has been ongoing for two years.
The potential strike at Loy Yang attracted wide-spread attention as the station generates about half of Victoria’s energy supply, with its closure likely to result in widespread blackouts.
AREEA’s specialist workplace relations consultants are experts in managing enterprise bargaining campaigns and mitigating the threat of industrial action. Contact your local AREEA office for advice.
