MUA makes third Mermaid strike threat
The maritime union has threatened strike action for the third time at Mermaid Marine Australia's supply base in Dampier.
The union has notified Mermaid that 65 stevedores at the base would stop work for five days from Wednesday.
The protected industrial action relates to protracted enterprise bargaining talks.
The Maritime Union of Australia previously threatened a 10-day strike in August and a five-day strike last month. Both were called off as talks with Mermaid continued.
MUA WA branch secretary Doug Heath accused Mermaid of asking workers to accept a pay cut.
"Mermaid Marine is asking our members to take a real wage cut of 8 per cent over the life of the agreement," Mr Heath said.
"We think this is an unfair position from a highly profitable company."
Mr Heath said Mermaid was was trying to make rosters less family friendly by reducing shifts from 10 to eight and a half hours, requiring an extra day per swing to achieve the same take-home pay.
The company said while it had held productive negotiations with the MUA to resolve outstanding issues, no agreement had been reached.
Mermaid said it was trying to achieve market competitive wages and conditions, long-term employment security and flexibility meet clients' changing needs.
It said the proposed action would not affect slipway or vessel operations, or international work.
"MMA is implementing strategies to mitigate the impact of the proposed protected industrial action on its customers and remains committed to attaining a fair and reasonable outcome for all parties," Mermaid said.
The marine services provider's share price closed down 3 cents to $1.87.
