PROTECTED industrial action at Darwin Port has concluded following a Fair Work Commission conciliation conference, though negotiations are still progressing.
Darwin Port workers represented by the Maritime Union of Australia, the Australian Maritime Officers Union and the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union commenced industrial action against their employer on 19 August.
The dispute began as a disagreement over wage arrangements set out in a new employment agreement and escalated to the Fair Work Commission.
The first conciliation conference was held by Fair Work Commissioner Bernie Riordan on 26 July. The second conference took place on 29 August.
Darwin Port workers had agreed to proceed with work stoppages for an hour each day between 19 August and 26 August but were prepared to continue with a series of work-bans until an agreement was reached between the unions and port management.
AMOU Northern Territory organiser Tracey Ellis told DCN the unions have pulled their protected action as “a show of good faith” after the second conciliation conference with Commissioner Riordan on Monday 29 August.
“The port came to the table with an offer, and the unions have provided a counteroffer for consideration,” Ms Ellis said.
“The parties are scheduled to be back in the Fair Work Commission with Commissioner Riordan on 14 September,” she said.
As negotiations have progressed, the unions and port management have both expressed commitments to reaching a timely and fair resolution.
