Not content with sacking almost all of its Clyde refinery workforce and sending their jobs overseas, Shell is now attacking the wages and conditions of those that remain, the CFMEU says.

The Union has condemned Shell Refining Australia’s moves to reduce wages and conditions of workers remaining on site after the company shuts the refinery and converts it to a terminal.

Yesterday Shell lodged an application with Fair Work Australia to change rosters and reduce conditions as well as workers payments.

Clyde delegate and CFMEU Energy District Vice-President Walter de Vecchis said the move shocked and disgusted workers, who were under the impression the company was consulting with their representatives in good faith.

“It seems it’s not enough for them to sack most of us and move our jobs offshore, now they want to lower wages and working conditions for the few remaining at the terminal,” Mr de Vecchis said.

“We’re working really hard to keep the place running safely until the end of September and that’s tough enough because of the age and condition of the place”.

Mr de Vecchis said the company’s new threats plus the dispute hearing that Shell was putting workers through was adding to workplace stress and tension.

“You’d think the company would lay off attacking a workplace which they’ve just devastated but it seems mass sackings and off-shoring is not enough for Shell.

“Any dignity for those remaining at Clyde is being eroded by this attack. It’s time Shell showed some respect for its local workforce and stopped attacking the wages and conditions of Clyde employees.”

Contact: Walter de Vecchis 0410 652 172 / Martin Watters 0400 179 620.