The results of the voting from August 12-14 were released on Friday afternoon, with Bechtel’s third EA offer receiving 54% approval.
Of the circa 8000 employees that were eligible to vote, 1309 abstained, which was 16% of the pool.
Bechtel’s additional financial incentives and other sweeteners clearly made an impact as its failed EA proposal in June only received 46% approval, with 1350 workers abstaining in that vote.
Bechtel general manager Kevin Berg was glad everyone could get back to normal work activities.
“There is no doubt the actions of the CFMEU and others over the past week have caused some disruptions for our employees coming to and from work, some interruptions to work on the projects and concern and frustration in the community,” he said.
“But our employees have had their say.
“As promised, after Fair Work approval is obtained for the agreement, our employees will receive their back pay to 1 May and the additional benefits will be introduced.
“With this now behind us, we can all move on with the task at hand.
“Obviously the industrial action had some impact to work on the projects but we will continue to work hard to bring these LNG plants online towards first LNG production.”
Santos, operator of the $US18.5 billion ($A19.9 billion) Gladstone LNG project which is targeting 7.8 million tonnes per annum of LNG, welcomed the news.
“Santos GLNG is pleased Bechtel’s Curtis Island workforce has accepted this new labour agreement,” a spokesperson said.
“It is business as usual on our site and we are on track to deliver first LNG in 2015.”
Some members of the CFMEU, which was campaigning for a more family-friendly roster for fly-in, fly-out workers of three weeks on and one week off, expressed disappointment while others tried to lift their spirits.
“You all have to be congratulated for the awareness you have generated for all FIFO workers and the start of a groundswell of debate on the impact on families suffering long absences from their loved ones,” CFMEU official Ted Watson addressed to all Curtis workers on the FIFO Construction Workers 3/1 Forum Facebook page.
“This debate will continue and just because you lost a battle does not mean you lost the war.
“Keep the debate alive at the work front and let the next group of workers who take this on learn from the mistakes made in this battle so you all can take accolades when the issue is won.”
Bechtel was against introducing a 3&1 roster as planning for the three LNG plant-building contracts was based on a 4&1 roster.
Its revised EA included transitioning to a 3&1 roster in the second half of 2017, which did not satisfy the CFMEU.
