Work at Fremantle Ports could grind to a halt over the weekend as a result of industrial action, with a 48-hour strike planned by the Australian Maritime Officers Union from Sunday.
Work at Fremantle Ports could grind to a halt over the weekend as a result of industrial action, with a 48-hour strike planned by the Australian Maritime Officers Union from Sunday.
The Australian Maritime Officers Union has informed Fremantle Ports late on Tuesday of its intention to strike from Sunday morning.
Union workers are understood to be asking for a $20,000 base salary increase and voted in favour of protected industrial action against Fremantle Ports in a ballot conducted late in June.
The action could bring port activity to a standstill, including work at the outer harbour at Kwinana.
A spokesperson for Fremantle Ports confirmed the authority had been told of the union’s plan to strike.
“Fremantle Ports has received notice that vessel traffic service officers and small craft personnel covered by the Marine Services Enterprise Agreement intend to take 48 hours protected industrial action from Sunday August 18,” a spokesperson said.
Chief Executive Officer Jodie Ransom said Fremantle Ports would work with their stakeholders to minimise impacts to the community and customers arising from the stoppage.
A government spokesperson said the impasse was being watched.
“The state government is closely monitoring the situation,” they said.
“We understand the Fremantle Ports Authority has been negotiating with the union in good faith and will continue to do so.
“We have received assurances from Fremantle Ports that they are working to mitigate any potential impacts of planned industrial action.”
The strike action comes amid a period of increased visibility by the union movement in Western Australia.
Business lobby groups yesterday hit out over visits by representiatives of three unions to the Pilbara, seeking to build favour among workers following legislative changes which make it easier to initiate enterprise agreement negotiations.
The Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union has been in the headlines too, as a result of scrutiny over the conduct of branches on the east coast.
The WA branch of the CFMEU remains in favour with government, although some changes have been mooted to introduce greater checks for those seeking worksite access permits.
Strikes by a pilots union grounded flights on Qantas subsidiary Network Aviation earlier in 2024, in a move which had some impacts on the state's FIFO workforce.
