Members of the Maritime Union Australia employed by DP World terminals in Sydney and Melbourne announced their plans to stop work this week.
Four-hour work stoppages are expected from 10.00am Wednesday October 1 until 2.00pm, 6.00pm until 10.00pm and 2.00am until 6.00am on Thursday October 2 at Sydney terminals.
All members of the MUA employed by DP World Melbourne are expected to stop work from 12.30pm until 16.30pm Thursday October 2 and 22.30pm Thursday October 2 until 6.30am Friday October 3.
The action could spread to DP World’s terminals in Brisbane and Freemantle as all four have the same bargaining agreement.
DP World said it strongly disagrees with this intended action, adding that it believes stoppages are neither required nor deserved.
However, the union said measures were taken to mitigate potential consequences on the customers.
MUA members voiced their disapproval of the recently announced automation of DP World’s terminals aimed boosting productivity. Nevertheless, aside to automation issues, MUA spokesman said that among the reasons behind industrial action is the failure to reach the enterprise bargaining agreement.