Woodside Energy (WDS) workers at the Pluto LNG 2 project were cleared by Australia's Fair Work Commission to hold a strike ballot, Reuters reported Monday.

The commission ordered the ballot to be held by Dec. 4. Three other unions also received approval for ballots tied to the same agreement, the report said.

The Offshore Alliance said talks with contractor Bechtel had stalled. A successful vote could allow a strike before year-end and slow work at the Western Australia expansion, the report said.

Woodside Energy, Bechtel, and Australia's Fair Work Commission did not immediately respond to MT Newswires' request for comment.

Shares of Woodside Energy were down 1.5% in recent Monday trading.

(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

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