News

Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) has called further strike action at Patrick’s Port Kembla Bulk and General Stevedoring operation, starting this Saturday, 7 May 2011.

The industrial action will include 16 hours of work bans and limitations, followed by a 48-hour stoppage and will again affect exports out of Port Kembla, including steel.

The news comes less than 24 hours after Patrick sought to have Fair Work Australia implement a ‘cooling-off period’ to enable both parties to return to the bargaining table without strike action being taken.

Patrick director Paul Garaty said he was extremely concerned by the MUA’s decision to take further strike action. “This notification comes just hours after the MUA claimed it wants to return to the bargaining table and indicates the union has returned to its old ways, preferring to strike rather than engage in meaningful negotiations to reach a genuine agreement with the company.

“This continued strike action has the potential to damage the livelihood of Australian importers and exporters and comes at a time when key exporters can least afford it due to a high Australian dollar and increased international competition.

“Patrick has repeatedly advised the MUA that it cannot agree to its list of more than 40 claims as it would increase Patrick’s Bulk and General stevedoring costs by more than 50% or close to $100 million over the three-year enterprise agreement period – with an increase of more than $31 million in the first year alone. This is without any productivity offsets.

“We have repeatedly asked that the MUA reconsider its position, however, there has been little change in these demands since negotiations commenced almost six months ago.

“Despite this rolling strike action, which accounts for in excess of 40 days of action since 26 December 2010 and little change in the MUA’s demands, Patrick remains hopeful that the MUA will meet with us on Friday 6 May to enable us to return to genuine negotiations,” Mr Garaty said.

This action follows 24-hour strikes in Patrick’s container terminal operations in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Fremantle last weekend, where the MUA is seeking a log of claims which would add a further $120 million to the company’s costs over the three year agreement.

MUA assistant national secretary Ian Bray said earlier that the union was pleased with the Fair Work Australia decision on Tuesday that allowed the MUA to continue to bargain for an agreement as permitted by the Fair Work Act.

"We continue to stand by, ready to negotiate with Patrick's for a new EBA,” he said.

"We're looking forward to getting back to the negotiating table and hope that Patrick's stop delaying the process of good faith bargaining."

“The MUA is committed to bargaining in good faith with all employers in order to reach the best possible outcome for our members. Employee safety, training and permanency remain core concerns across the industry, which we will continue to fight for.”