NORMAL TOWAGE operations have resumed in the port of Gladstone following a conciliation hearing between unions and Smit Lamnalco in the Fair Work Commission on Friday [31 January].
AMOU industrial officer Tracey Ellis advised DCN on Friday evening that agreement had been reached in the Commission on a roster that provides more maintenance opportunities, and settled on yearly pay increases, “so we’ve withdrawn our protected action”.
SL MD Australia & PNG David Fethers confirmed this morning that all Protected Industrial Action notices have been rescinded, and normal towage operations in Gladstone have resumed.
“Smit Lamnalco and the unions have reached agreement on a three-year Enterprise Agreement, which includes:
- A 6% wage increase in Year 1, with subsequent increases linked to WPI.
- An increase of two additional rostered crews, bringing the total to 30 crews.
- Backpay to 1 January 2025.
“This outcome represents a balanced resolution that ensures operational stability while maintaining the competitiveness of towage services in Gladstone,” Mr Fethers said.
The AMOU and the AIMPE lunched PIA against SL in Gladstone on 14 January and then ramped up the action on 22 January to increase pressure on the company and disrupt shipping movements. Despite Friday’s agreement the AMOU has warned the unions still need to resolve their outstanding claim for SL to stop scheduling crews for 17 hours in 24.
Separately Smit Lamnalco has chartered the tug SL Martinique, most recently based in Sydney/Port Botany, to TasPorts on a bareboat basis for five years. It arrived in Devonport on Friday [31 January].
“We are also looking to support TasPorts with additional tonnage as their fleet renewal needs develop,” Mr Fethers said.
Meanwhile, SL Botany and SL Hunter have recently completed overhauls at Harwood and Brisbane respectively and will be mobilising to a new project in the west, “expanding our footprint in that state. We look forward to making an announcement soon.”
