Why did Australian trade unions decide to end the strike at the Ichthys energy facilities?

The Offshore Alliance and other Australian trade unions agreed to end the strike at the Ichthys facilities because they reached a settlement with Inpex.

What was the immediate operational impact of the strike action on Inpex?

The strike action forced Inpex (TYO:1605) to shut down one of its two liquefied natural gas production trains and disrupted global energy shipments. The industrial action had run from June 2 until the settlement was reached on June 17.

How many workers endorsed the final settlement with Inpex?

More than 400 union members across the Offshore Alliance, Electrical Trades Union, and Maritime Union of Australia voted to endorse the deal with Inpex. The workers accepted the agreement to secure job safety and halt all further rolling strikes.

What are the specific labor protections included in the new contract?

The new agreement with Inpex ensures that permanent jobs at the energy facilities will not be outsourced to low-wage hire contractors. The Offshore Alliance stated that the final deal also delivers significant gains in workplace rights and employment security.

What is the total production scale of the Ichthys facility operated by Inpex?

The Ichthys facility operated by Inpex has an annual production capacity of 9.3 million metric tonnes of liquefied natural gas. This output represents approximately 10% of the total export supply coming out of Australia.

Image for illustrative purposes only. Not a real photo.

Australian unions agree to end Inpex strike

Written by Heidi Cuthbert Published Jun 17, 2026, 3:17 AM

Australian unions announced an agreement with Inpex to end strike action at the Ichthys liquefied natural gas facilities.
The resolution ends industrial action that had disrupted regional exports and forced a partial production shutdown.
The final settlement secures industry-standard pay rates and long-term protections against outsourcing permanent roles.

Australian trade unions announced on June 17 an agreement to end strike action at the onshore and offshore Ichthys liquefied natural gas facilities operated by Inpex.

The resolution follows industrial action that began on June 2, which disrupted global energy shipments and prompted the operator to shut down one of its two production trains this week.

"Unions have notified Inpex there will be a cessation of all strike action by 6 p.m. tonight," the Offshore Alliance said in a statement.

The settlement was endorsed by more than 400 union members across the Offshore Alliance, the Electrical Trades Union, and the Maritime Union of Australia.

The Ichthys facility has an annual production capacity of 9.3 million metric tonnes, representing approximately 10% of the total liquefied natural gas supply from Australia.

The Offshore Alliance stated that the negotiated contract secures benchmark pay rates and implements improved roster flexibility for offshore personnel.