-- Japan's Inpex faces a growing labor standoff at its flagship Ichthys liquefied natural gas facility in Australia after employees voted against a new four-year enterprise agreement.
An Inpex spokesperson confirmed in an email toon Friday that a majority of eligible workers did not endorse the 2026-2030 proposal, heightening the risk of strikes at a time when global energy markets are under strain amid the Iran war.
The rejection comes as a blow to regional energy security, with the facility supplying 8% of Japan and Taiwan's gas imports amidst a global supply crunch.
Inpex stated it will continue to "actively engage in the bargaining process in good faith" to address workforce feedback.
Union members are currently participating in a separate ballot regarding protected industrial action, which is scheduled to conclude on April 24, according to a Reuters' report.