Australian liquefied natural gas plant strike imminent as Inpex workers reject new contract.

Japanese company Inpex said on Friday that workers at its Ichthys liquefied natural gas facility in Australia voted against a new employment agreement, increasing the risk of a strike that could worsen the already tense global energy supply. An Inpex spokesperson said that the majority of eligible employees had voted and the proposed agreement did not pass. The Offshore Alliance, made up of the Maritime Union of Australia and the Australian Workers Union, had previously stated that its 430 members would vote against the new contract, citing that it did not meet industry standards in terms of wages and conditions. The Inpex spokesperson stated that the company will "continue to actively engage in negotiations in good faith and work to address employee feedback". Additionally, union members will complete their vote next week to decide whether to take protected industrial action, with voting ending on April 24th.