AEMO lodged an application with the Fair Work Commission earlier this week seeking the termination or suspension of protected industrial action being undertaken by eligible employees, which number around 110 Professionals Australia members.
AEMO formed the view that the combined and cumulative impacts of notified actions created risks to public safety, energy system operations and the economy that could not be fully mitigated through business continuity and risk management measures alone.
The Fair Work Commission has issued an interim order suspending protected industrial actions by AEMO control room operators for some actions until AEMO’s application is heard and determined.
The suspended actions relate to internal operational briefings, the assessment and processing of some planned transmission outages and related network work, and responses to industry participant enquiries.
AEMO respects employees’ lawful right to participate in protected industrial action, and seeking the Commission’s intervention was not a step we took lightly.
Enterprise agreement discussions continue in good faith through Fair Work Commission conciliation. AEMO remains committed to reaching an agreement that provides fair and competitive outcomes for employees while remaining sustainable for the organisation and considerate of costs to industry and consumers.
Our focus remains on supporting our people, maintaining safe and reliable operations, and delivering the critical services relied upon by energy consumers, industry and governments across Australia.
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