Members of the militant Maritime Union of Australia plan to walk off the job at Dampier in northern Western Australia in a protracted dispute with Mermaid Marine that could impact Chevron's $US54 billion ($62 billion) Gorgon project.
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The union, which withdrew a proposed 10-day strike in August, says 65 stevedores will take protected legal action for five consecutive 24-hour periods beginning on Thursday.
It claims pay talks with Mermaid Marine, which operates a supply base at Dampier that services marine vessels and warehouses equipment, have stalled.
"Mermaid Marine is asking our members to take a real wage cut of eight per cent over the life of the agreement," MUA branch assistant secretary Doug Heath said.
"We think this is an unfair position from a highly profitable company."
Mermaid Marine chief executive Jeffrey Weber said the union had advised the company of a fresh round of protected industrial action to commence on Wednesday for five days.
"Mermaid Marine has continued to engage in meaningful negotiations with the MUA and positive steps were being made towards reaching an agreement," Mr Weber said.
"It is unfortunate that the MUA has decided to initiate protected industrial action; which is not good for the industry, the business and ultimately not good for our employees."
Mr Weber said the company wanted a deal that delivered competitive wages and conditions as well as the flexibility sought by clients.
"We pride ourselves on opting to support the local community with a residential workforce in Dampier, rather than fly in fly out staff," he said.
The union cited "constructive discussions" with Mermaid for calling off its 10-day strike in August.
But it is believed a technical issue was behind the move.
Mermaid's supply base warehouses equipment, which is loaded to vessels servicing the construction of Chevron's $US54 billion Gorgon project, Australia's biggest resources project.
It also operates a slipway, to dock vessels for maintenance and servicing, which is not impacted by the dispute.
Mermaid Marine told the Australian Securities Exchange it had held productive negotiations but was unable to reach agreement with the union.
The company says it wants market competitive wages and conditions, long-term employment security and flexibility to service the changing needs of its clients.
The union has slammed the pay negotiations, saying Mermaid's insistence its workers accept a cut to wages was "unacceptable".
"Last financial year, Mermaid Marine made a $54 million profit and they have an obligation to ensure their workers share in their success," Mr Heath said.
Mr Heath said Mermaid wanted to cut members' shifts from 10 hours to 8.5 hours, which meant workers would have to work an extra day to achieve the same take-home pay.
"This will mean our members will have less time with their families and communities," Mr Heath said.
Mr Weber previously said while Mermaid would work to mitigate the impact to its clients there would be some disruption.
In its statement to the ASX on Monday, Mermaid said the fresh action did not directly impact its slipway or vessel operations. It will not effect its international operations.
The company said it was implementing strategies to mitigate the impact of the industrial action on its customers.
