CFMEU: workers keep Shell Clyde refinery open

The principal union representing workers at Shell’s Clyde Refinery in Sydney today condemned the decision to close the refinery and said it would work to keep the refinery open.

Responding to the company’s formal announcement of the closure today, the CFMEU said the consultation process had not been genuine.

Lorraine Usher, Secretary of the CFMEU’s NSW Energy District, said: “Shell said they would consult with us before making a decision on closure. But their Board of Directors refused a request for the union, on behalf of employees, to present its detailed report on alternatives to closure.

“We are profoundly disappointed by the announcement, and it certainly appears that Shell had no intention of moving from its initial position of closure.”

The CFMEU and the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union commissioned a detailed report by economists and oil industry experts that the refinery operations could continue to be profitable, and that closure of refinery capacity in Sydney would have profound implications for security and reliability of oil supplies in NSW, with significant risks of reduced competition, higher prices and interruptions to supply.

“We will be working with key stakeholders around options to keep the refinery open and to reduce threats to critical oil industry infrastructure in NSW,” said Ms Usher.
“Our meeting with key stakeholders on 4 August will be part of the campaign to keep refinery operations at Clyde.”