Disgruntled dock workers have been given the green light to walk off the job, in a protest that could shake up some of Australia’s busiest ports.
The Fair Work Commission has ruled DP World’s employees can stop work at the stevedore’s Sydney, Brisbane and Fremantle terminals with a partial stoppage approved in Melbourne, after the wharfies held work bans at these locations on Jan. 12.
Workers will be able to walk off the job for 16 hours, though their union must provide five days’ notice.
DP World Australia senior director Blake Tierney said the company acknowledged the Fair Work Commission’s decision.
“While this outcome permits further industrial action that may affect supply chains, we respect the commission’s ruling and recognise the legal rights of employees to engage in protected industrial action,” Mr. Tierney said in a statement.
“We remain committed to finding a resolution that balances the interests of our employees, our business and the wider Australian economy.”
DP World urged the federal government to intervene on Jan. 12 morning, claiming the Maritime Union of Australia’s (MUA) industrial action had cost the nation $34 million (US$23 million) per day and created a backlog of 48,000 containers.
In an attempt to halt the protest, DP World Oceania executive Nicolaj Noes announced striking workers would not be paid until they returned to their normal duties.
“The decision of employees, who have been encouraged by the MUA to continue to refuse to perform their duties is leading to loss of productivity and is devastating to our supply chain as well as economic output,” Mr. Noes said.
But MUA’s assistant national secretary Adrian Evans says workers remain steadfast.
“All delays and disruptions are the sole responsibility of DP World’s Australian boss, Nicolaj Noes, who failed to attend any of the negotiations held this week,” Mr. Evans said.
Meetings have stagnated, with management refusing to table a wage offer that could kick off meaningful negotiations.
According to the union, the company is continuing its attempts to slash penalty rates and remove key safety clauses.
DP World, the second largest port operator in Australia, has been accused of underpaying workers, forcing them to take annual leave and failing to pay employees who work weekends and public holidays.
“The company’s representatives continue to push for cuts to wages and conditions at the direction of their paymasters, the Dubai government, and squandered three days of meetings held this week with misdirection and obstruction,” Mr. Evans said.
“Customers of this multibillion dollar company have every right to be frustrated with DP World’s refusal to negotiate but the MUA will not be bullied by the Dubai government and nor should anybody else.”
Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie said continued action would hurt the industry.
“A tough day today for Australian importers, exporters and consumers,” Ms. McKenzie wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“We can expect increasing chaos on land transport as the pressure of halted port operations is passed onto other logistics operators.”
