DP WORLD said throughput volumes at its Australian terminals have dropped by around 30 to 40% since the Maritime Union of Australia commenced protected industrial action in early October after negotiations for a new enterprise bargaining agreement collapsed.
“Previously managing 6000 containers daily, the current volume has plummeted by a third to approximately 4000 containers,” the company said in a statement on Monday (30 October).
DP World said it was encouraging the MUA to come back to the negotiating table and ease its protected industrial action.
“DP World has offered the union a strong and fair deal, which reflects the impact of inflation while achieving real wage growth both now and in the years to come,” the company said.
DP World said one of the points of contention with the union is changes to its rostering system. It said it must adopt modern rostering strategies “aligned with global industry practices”.
“DP World’s new rostering system seeks to extend weekend work opportunities to a broader range of colleagues, promoting equitable distribution of shifts and availability among its workforce,” the company said in its statement.
“This approach not only offers additional earnings potential but also fosters a robust supply chain capable of withstanding unexpected disruption in an increasingly volatile global environment.”
The union has said it is seeking “job security and dignity in employment through a permanent roster that offers a fair work-life balance for stevedoring workers”, as well as “a fair wage outcome that keeps pace with inflation as well as industry standards”.
