Inpex workers still in dark over fatality-day pay

INPEX workers are still unsure whether they will be paid for last Thursday, despite multiple announcements from the Japanese conglomerate saying the site was closed

INPEX workers are still unsure whether they will be paid for last Thursday, despite multiple announcements from the Japanese conglomerate saying the site was closed.

One worker has said the confusion seems to be coming from the different levels of management and the different subcontractors.

“We were notified (Monday) that JKC has sought the advice of Construction Services NT about payment of wages for Thursday’s site closure,” the worker said.

“The notification states that site was open but work fronts were closed and those who elected to leave site would only be paid for their time on site.

“This was not the message conveyed in the confusion early Thursday morning.”

On Thursday, workers were told of the death of Carl Delaney, who was killed while installing insulation in one of the tanks onsite.

RELATED: MAS WORKERS MAY LOSE DAY'S PAY AFTER CONSTRUCTION HALTED AT SITE FOLLOWING DEATH

Mr Delaney fell from into perlite insulation dust on Wednesday night and died.

Workers were told they had the option to return home if they chose when they signed on about 6am, but were told if they did chose to go home, and take a day off out of respect for Mr Delaney, it would have to be from their annual or sick leave, or would be unpaid.

However, if the construction site was officially closed, workers are required to be paid for the day.

On Tuesday Inpex reconfirmed its statement advising workers the site was closed on Thursday.

However, the Inpex worker who approached the NT News has said this is not what workers are currently being told.

RELATED: TRAGIC INPEX WORKER CARL DELANEY REMEMBERED AS A 'TOP MAN' AND A 'BRILLIANT GUY'

They said they were concerned for the family of Carl Delaney, as most workers on the site are planning to donate their day’s wages to the family.

“Unfortunately this means the family only gets between 40 minutes and two hours from each worker (depending on subcontractors ruling), instead of the intended eight hours each as dedicated by a vast majority of the workforce,” the worker said.

On Saturday Electrical Trades Union NT organiser David Hayes said: “Annual and personal leave doesn’t come into the equation when the site is shut for a safety­ issue”.

It’s understood the official line is still filtering through the different subcontractors, which may be why workers are receiving incorrect information.