A STATEMENT ON BP’S APPLICATION TO TERMINATE THE ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT AT KWINANA OIL REFINERY

17 October 2018

I was disappointed to be informed yesterday that BP Australia has sought to terminate the enterprise agreement with workers at the Kwinana Oil Refinery.

I sincerely hope BP and the workforce can continue discussions and reach a resolution through negotiation, without BP continuing this retrograde action that may see BP workers denied long-held workplace conditions.

The BP Kwinana Oil Refinery has significantly contributed to the economic development of Western Australia since operations began in 1955.

The success of BP in WA is only possible because of its long-serving, loyal workforce that, for decades, has played an integral role in the communities of Rockingham and Kwinana.

I hope a resolution can be found that does not erode workers conditions.

If elected, a Shorten Labor government will change the law to redress the imbalance in bargaining power between workers, their unions and employers. We will prevent employers from easily resorting to the nuclear option of terminating an enterprise agreement.