ESSO Australia is claiming a staggering $44.3 million, in compensation, plus interest, from the Australian Workers Union, The Australian newspaper reported last week.
Esso alleges unprotected industrial action in March 2015 hindered its ability to produce oil and gas, saying industrial action by employees delayed a scheduled restart at the Longford plant by 14 days following a planned maintenance shutdown.
The Australian reported that details of the compensation claim emerged in a Federal Court hearing on Christmas Eve in Melbourne.
AWU Victorian secretary Ben Davis told the newspaper the union would oppose the claim.
