THE Maritime Union of Australia has claimed Patrick Terminals will severely disrupt the supply chain if it is successful in terminating its current enterprise bargaining agreement at the Fair Work Commission.

However, Patrick has guaranteed rosters and pay for six months after any termination, so this disruption is six months away, if it comes at all.

Fair Work Commission hearings on Patrick’s application to terminate its enterprise bargaining agreement with union workers begin on Monday 17 January. Patrick initially filed the application in late October.

In a statement today, the MUA said cancelling the EA would have a “catastrophic” impact on shifts, productivity and “put an end to 24-hour operations at Patrick’s terminals in Sydney Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth”.

The union said reverting to the basic award would “more than halve the capacity of Patrick Terminals’ national operations”.

“This would be the ultimate example of cutting off your nose to spite your face. The Australian community cannot tolerate this kind of belligerent, aggressive and reckless approach to industrial relations at this critical time,” MUA national secretary Paddy Crumlin said.

Patrick Terminals CEO Michael Jovicic said, “As usual, the MUA is talking nonsense”.

He said the union has spent two years disrupting Australia’s supply chain with industrial action and go-slows.

“They are, and will remain, among the highest paid workers in Australia. Only last week they rejected an offer of a 4% pay rise because, as usual, they want more,” Mr Jovicic said.

“If the Fair Work Commission terminates the current enterprise agreement, Patrick has offered to ensure their pay and working hours remain the same for at least another six months. The parties won’t revert to the award until August at the earliest.

“And after that if the union is so concerned about the supply chains, all they need to do is agree to continue to work on their current pay and rosters. Ultimately it will be up to the employees to decide whether they want to cripple the Australian economy.

“Their problem is Australians are completely over these pathetic antics. No one believes these incoherent rants,” Mr Jovicic said.