Arabic version: نزاع الأجور في «أيمو» يدفع إلى تعليق محدود للإجراءات

According to ABC News, pay negotiations at the Australian Energy Market Operator have deteriorated, with specialised workers escalating industrial action while seeking wage rises linked to inflation. The Fair Work Commission has agreed to a limited suspension of some action after AEMO argued the stoppages could create serious risks.

Workers in control rooms managing sensitive market operations voted for indefinite bans on assessing and approving non-critical planned outages. They also declined to attend daily meetings and temporarily paused non-urgent responses to generators and high-voltage power line operators.

AEMO said the combined effects of the notified action could create risks to public safety, energy system operations and the economy. The operator sought a suspension order, arguing the action could lead to blackouts and endanger lives. Professionals Australia representative Thomas Whibley said members would not do anything that compromised public safety, describing AEMO’s approach as hardline and counterproductive.

The union is seeking rises of 4.2 per cent for this financial year and the next, with a floor linked to inflation. AEMO has capped its offer at 4.2 per cent in each year. The action follows three worker votes rejecting the offer, and the union said AEMO removed back pay dated to the beginning of July after the latest rejection. AEMO said it had bargained in good faith.

Staff have also criticised executive remuneration. AEMO financial statements show executives received $7.2 million in salaries and short-term benefits in the 12 months to June 30, compared with $6.9 million in 2024-25. More than 100 staff backed a suggestion that chief executive Daniel Westerman consider resigning. Unions have referred a bargaining application to the Fair Work Commission, which will seek to arbitrate a settlement.