NSW: Mobil trains a team of union busters to run refinery

AAP General News (Australia)
04-12-2001
NSW: Mobil trains a team of union busters to run refinery

SYDNEY, April 11 AAP - A secret trainee team of 30 Mobil Oil maintenance workers will
be flown in by helicopter to replace unionised staff at the company's Adelaide oil refinery,
according to today's The Australian newspaper.

Mobil spokesman Alan Bailey would not confirm details of the training program, but
told the paper the company has to take precautions to ensure operations are maintained
if industrial action is taken.

The paper said a gridlock had developed between the unions and Mobil at its Port Stanvac
refinery as the company attempts to reduce its maintenance workforce.

It said a group of trainees apparently answered advertisements in Sydney and were being
trained in a secret location in the city's west.

They have been told their employment will involve crossing picket lines and union-busting
and that they will be based at Port Stanvac, The Australian said.

The refinery supplies about 85 per cent of Adelaide's fuel and industrial action by
maintenance staff could cause severe disruption.

AAP RTV aa/psm/was

KEYWORD: MOBIL

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