The Maritime Union of Australia withdrew its industrial action at DP World Australia just before the case was due to be heard by the Fair Work Commission.
Shipping Australia understands that a written undertaking has now been given to the Fair Work Commission that no further notices of industrial action at Port Botany will be submitted before 01 November 2020.
In a customer statement, DP World Australia says that a normal service will resume. It adds that it expects to be able to pursue a final enterprise agreement.
“Without the distraction of bans and limitations, we anticipate we’ll be able to progress outstanding local matters at DP World Sydney in the pursuit of a finalised enterprise agreement,” the company added.
The case was due to be heard at 1400 on Saturday 19 September.
The withdrawal of what was imminent industrial action at DP World Australia does not solve the matter. This is not the end. It is temporary.
The union has given a written undertaking to the Fair Work Commission that no further notice of industrial action at Port Botany will be given before 01 November. Unless DPWA and the employer enter into a binding workplace agreement (known as an enterprise agreement) then the union will have the power to re-start industrial action in November.
Meanwhile, industrial action is still possible at Hutchison in Brisbane and Sydney, and at Patrick Terminals in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. There is also the possibility of industrial action at the towage operator, Svitzer.
Congestion and delay will not ease across the waterfront until all the terminals are able to work unhindered.
