Strikes have been suspended at ICTSI’s Victoria International Container Terminal (VICT) at the Port of Melbourne.
Australia’s Fair Work Commission (FWC) issued an Interim Order suspending industrial action by the Maritime Union Australia (MUA) effective from 6am on 20 February. This prevents the MUA taking industrial action until a mid-March hearing is held.
Shipping Australia CEO Melwyn Noronha noted: “Everyday Australians rely on maritime trade no matter how far they live from the sea or from a port. The import and export trade accounts for approximately 46% to 47% of Australia’s economy. Seaborne imports and exports are a large part of and drive the logistics industry. That industry supports about 1.2 million jobs, which accounts for about 10% of the total Australian workforce.
“However, we continue to have severe industrial relations-induced disruption on the waterfront. Industrial relations need to be looked at as a matter of urgency by the Federal Government or disruptions will continue to persist to the detriment of all Australians, no matter who they are or where they live.
“Shipping Australia calls upon the Australian Federal Government to include a review of waterfront industrial relations as part of any reform package.”
The Container Transport Alliance Australia (CTAA) understands that VICT sought FWC intervention, citing economic and other harm threatened by the action.
According to the CTAA, VICT adjusted its vessel schedule, export cut-offs, and import availability, and released additional vehicle booking slots.
VICT pledged to do all it can to assist with slot availability, most importantly for export receivals prior to cut off for vessels such as Venita and OOCL Beijing.
