Industrial Action Expands Across Australian Ports Ahead of Christmas

Industrial Action Expands Across Australian Ports Ahead of Christmas 

The Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) has announced that industrial action is expected to impact up to 10 Australian ports by Christmas. The disputes stem from negotiations for a new employment agreement, which expired in June 2024. According to the MUA, bargaining efforts have been stalled since April, with no progress toward a resolution.  

Currently, industrial action is already disrupting operations at five ports, including Melbourne, Port Kembla, and Brisbane. These strikes began in August and predominantly affect bulk and break-bulk (BB) operations, particularly vehicle imports and exports. Wharfies at QUBE’s bulk and general ports nationwide also commenced strikes in September.  

The latest round of action will begin at the Port of Brisbane tomorrow (Friday 6th December). The MUA notified QUBE ports that restrictions would be in place for seven days. The restrictions that will be in place include:

• An 8-hour stoppage from when the vessel ties up at the berth.
• Will only work 8-hour shifts.
• Will only commence work at 0700, 1500, and 2300.
• There will be no shift extensions.
• A ban on performance of shift pre-starts.
• Will not work during meal breaks or other breaks.
• Once the start time is ordered they will not accept any variation to that start time.
• Will not accept any call ins outside of allocated shifts.
• Will engage in a ban on the performance of Grade 5, 6 and/or 7 upgrade work.
• Will only drive up to 15km/h on the wharf for PCC/RoRo ops.
• Will not transfer between berths and sites once allocated to work.
• Will not use personal phones for work purposes whilst on shift.
• Stoppage of work from 2300 to 0700, Commencing 2300 Saturday 7 December to 0700 Sunday 8 December.
• 1-hour stoppage of work at 0530,1330 and 2130 daily, commencing 0530 Friday 6 December.
• 1-hour stoppage of work at 0730,1530 and 2330 on Sunday 8 December.
• 24-hour stoppage commencing 1500 Friday 6 December.

Implementing these measures will significantly slow down the loading and unloading of vessels. With additional ports expected to join the strikes and no resolution in sight, the industrial action threatens to cause significant disruptions to supply chains during the critical holiday season.

Freightplus will be proactive in mitigating the impact of delays for customers shipping in and out of Australia during this period. Please contact your Freightplus representative for more information.

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