This article originally appeared in Issue 41 of The Oilworker.
Oil workers fighting ExxonMobil’s Australian subsidiary, Esso Australia Pty Ltd (Esso) and its maintenance contractor, UGL, for a fair contract are requesting several acts of solidarity from their USW supporters.
They have picketed seven days a week, 24 hours a day for over 236 days at Esso’s Longford gas plant in Australia.
With Esso’s support, UGL wants to slash workers’ pay up to 30 percent, cut benefits for 200 maintenance contractors, and impose a work schedule that would force offshore workers to spend more time away from home.
Besides hurting local businesses, these regressive demands and UGL’s failure to negotiate a fair settlement negatively impact workers’ families.
“They are the unfortunate victims who pay the ultimate price when it comes to a fight like this,” said Troy Carter, shop steward with the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU). “However, we are determined to continue ‘Standing Up & Fighting Back’ for as long as it takes.”
How to Help
- Financial Support: A go fund me page was set up for personal donations at https://www.gofundme.com/essoworkers. Secondly, a group or worksite can collect money and send it via an International Money Transfer (IMT). Get banking account details at https://www.essouglydispute.com/donate.html (Local unions may need to contact Troy Carter, troyoffshore@netspace.net.au, for the account address to be used with IMT.)
- Send a letter to ExxonMobil’s CEO: The workers drafted a template resolution letter to send a message of dissatisfaction to ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods. Contact Troy Carter, AMWU shop steward, for a copy of the letter to send. Carter’s email address is troyoffshore@netspace.net.au.
- Share a Solidarity Video or Message of Support: Use your own or your local union’s Facebook page to share such a video and/or message of support. Carter said it would be great if the USW ExxonMobil council shot a solidarity video and/or photo before or after its meeting with management.
- Share a Photo or Tweet a Photo/Message: Shoot a photo with a selfie sign saying @AusGasWorkers #AusGasWorkers.
- Hand out a flyer or share this story with someone you know who may want to support the Australian oil workers.
More Information
“By participating in these actions, you will ensure continued support to our families while we continue to ‘Stand Up & Fight Back’ for as long as it takes,” Carter said. “I personally thank you for your support.”
For more information, reach Troy Carter at troyoffshore@netspace.net.au or +61 419-358-196.