The Offshore Alliance is today celebrating the achievement of an in-principle enterprise agreement with Shell Prelude management.

Offshore Alliance members were able to secure a range of improvements to their pay and rostering arrangements along with, critically, new job security and career progression provisions.

Shell has agreed that if it increases its use of contractor or labour hire workers it will not reduce the number of employees covered by this agreement as a consequence.

Offshore Alliance spokesperson and AWU National Secretary Daniel Walton said the union was very happy to reach agreement with Shell Prelude management.

“While it’s disappointing that industrial action had to take place our members should be extremely proud of what they have secured for themselves, for their families, and for each other,” Mr Walton said.

“I know our members are keen to get back to work as usual – more secure in their jobs – and able to help Shell Prelude be as successful as it can be.

“We look forward to a productive and constructive relationship with Shell management from here. The overall interests of workers and the interests of management are fundamentally aligned.

“On behalf of the Offshore Alliance I extend my thanks to the Fair Work Commission and acknowledge the long nights and weekends necessary to mediate this dispute and assist the union and Shell reach agreement.

“The Offshore Alliance now looks forward to negotiations with Santos, Chevron, and Woodside where we hope to achieve similarly positive outcomes – but hopefully via a smoother process.”