Amidst the challenges of COVID-19, Australia’s trade continues to be interrupted by the MUA. This time it has decided to disrupt Australia’s economic lifeblood of maritime trade by declaring industrial action targeted at towage provider Svitzer.
Svitzer operates tugs. Tugs help ships come to, and go from, a berth. If ships cannot get to / from a berth, then shipping is disrupted. If shipping is paralyzed then Australia’s international trade is threatened.
International trade is utterly vital to, and central to, Australia’s economic interest.
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Industrial action notifications
Earlier this week, the waterfront union sent five notifications of industrial action at seven separate ports to the towage provider. This set of industrial action is part of a nationally coordinated campaign.
Adelaide and Port Pirie
Maritime Union of Australia members will strike for 24 hours from 12:01 am on Friday 13 November.
Sydney
A ban will be placed on towage crews remaining on board tugs during a shift. This strike will run from 12:01am on Friday 13 November through to 11:59pm on the same day at Port Botany and Port Jackson (Sydney Harbour). Tug crew union members will only attend the port for scheduled jobs.
Geelong and Melbourne
A four hour strike is due to take place from 08:00am on Friday 13 November.
Brisbane
A four hour strike is due to take place from 05:00am on Friday 13 November.
Port Kembla
A four hour strike is due to take place from 10:00am on Friday 13 November.
Reform is necessary and urgent
Shipping Australia once again calls for industrial relations reform so that a nationally co-ordinated industrial action campaign can never again disrupt the waterfront upon which all Australians depend.
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