DARWIN Port has rejected the Maritime Union of Australia’s claims that the port is seeking to cut its workers’ pay.
The MUA yesterday suggested Darwin Port workers were considering taking industrial action over wage arrangements set out in a new employment agreement.
The union said the new arrangements would amount to a pay cut, however Darwin Port acting CEO Peter Dummett told DCN this is not the case.
“Darwin Port has been negotiating with the workforce collective, which includes the unions since May of this year for a new four-year enterprise agreement,” Mr Dummett said.
“Darwin Port values its staff and it remains Darwin Port’s preferred position to reach a negotiated and fair outcome for all parties.”
According to Mr Dummett, at a meeting on 11 July the workforce collective and union officials rejected a wage increase Darwin Port had proposed.
“A number of wage counter claim positions were expressed by the group,” he said.
“As a result, Darwin Port has engaged the Fair Work Commission to assist in constructively progressing the negotiations.”
DCN understands the port workers hope to work towards an amicable solution to avoid taking industrial action at the port.
