STEVEDORE Patrick Terminals has accused equipment maintenance workers of engaging in “illegal industrial” action in Sydney.
According to the company, Patrick is using Cummins, the manufacturer of a part for maintenance of auto straddles rather than Kalmar.
This is, according to Patricks, the seventh time in six months Cummins has been used to service this piece of equipment.
“However MUA members in the maintenance section this morning took illegal industrial action claiming it was ‘their work’,” the Patricks spokesperson said.
“Patrick believes this is clearly not the case,” he said.
“It is disappointing that in these stressful times the MUA are resorting to old fashioned demarcation disputes. The MUA members are Kalmar employees and we are discussing next steps with Kalmar.”
Kalmar declined to comment when approached by Daily Cargo News.
Comment also has been sought from the Maritime Union / CFMMEU.
