Frantic talks to break Fremantle port strike
The maritime union and state government are locked in frantic negotiations aimed at breaking a costly impasse that has brought West Australia's busiest port Fremantle to a standstill, Cargonews Asia reports.
More than 100 wharfies and maintenance staff at Fremantle port went on strike yesterday at 5.30 am after talks for a new employment deal broke down over job security issues, reported the West Australian.
The industrial action, which could last eight days, threatens the supply of goods ahead of Christmas and is set to cost government-owned Fremantle Ports millions in lost trade.
Several bulk cargo and container ships were stranded by the action yesterday with fears others would bypass the port if the strike went into a second day and beyond.
The Maritime Union of Australia’s WA branch wants a guarantee no worker will lose his job if part or all of the port is sold.
Workers, many who earn about US$106,000 a year including overtime, have already accepted pay rises of 20 per cent over four years.
Fremantle Ports and Transport Minister Troy Buswell have baulked at demands for job security, saying they are unreasonable and would diminish the value of the port in any sale.
Workers at Fremantle picketed the entrance to the port’s tugboat and pilot facilities as the Federal Government’s industrial relations umpire stepped in to urge a compromise. Fair Work Australia Commissioner Danny Cloghan, who called a meeting for 8 pm yesterday after talks foundered, said the fight should not be allowed to drag on.
“I don’t intend to let this matter just drift and let the law of the jungle apply when both parties may be able to achieve some resolution,” Cloghan said.
Buswell said the government was doing all it could to reach an agreement.
“The state government again calls on the union to stop the industrial action and continue to negotiate in good faith,” Buswell said.
MUA assistant secretary Will Tracey indicated the union would be willing to accept a deal under which workers were offered voluntary redundancies if operations were privatised.
He said the port’s unwillingness to compromise suggested privatisation was on the cards.