Cooks, caterers and cleaning staff supporting Woodside Energy facilities off Western Australia are preparing to vote on protected industrial action as wage and conditions negotiations continue.

The Australian Workers’ Union filed ballot applications on 19 June for 55 employees of ESS, a subsidiary of Compass Group. The workers support offshore assets, including the Goodwyn, North Rankin, and Angel platforms, along with the Scarborough floating production unit.

The dispute follows more than six months of talks. The previous agreement expired at the end of February, and a replacement deal has not yet been reached.

If the ballots are approved, the action could affect onboard catering and accommodation services. Proposed measures include bans on themed meals for events such as Christmas and Easter, as well as menu types including barbecues, Mexican food and Italian food.

Workers could also restrict the use of standard cutlery and crockery, which may leave offshore personnel using single-use plates and utensils.

The Offshore Alliance, formed by the AWU and the Maritime Union of Australia, said its members provide food, cleaning and accommodation support that enables daily life on offshore facilities.

The union group said workers should not be asked to accept wage outcomes below inflation while living costs remain under pressure.

The proposed action includes stoppages of 30 minutes to four hours, with no limit on the number of stoppages.

ESS said negotiations are ongoing and that it remains committed to competitive pay and conditions. The company also said it is working to avoid disruption while seeking a resolution.

Woodside Energy declined to comment, but said any protected industrial action would not involve operational staff on its facilities.

The Offshore Alliance said the ballot applications are expected to be voted on in the coming days. If approved, workers would then be able to give notice of the industrial action they plan to take.