Freo Ports, union deal avoids strike

Strikes planned at Fremantle Ports from tomorrow morning have been called off, after agreement was reached between the authority and union.

The strikes were planned from 5.30am on Sunday, as part of an ongoing bargaining period between Fremantle Ports and the Australian Maritime Officers Union.

But the pair have now reached an in-principle arrangement on a new enterprise agreement.

Fremantle Ports chief executive Jodie Ransom said the notices to take action had been withdrawn by workers in good faith following negotiations yesterday.

“This is a positive outcome that will ensure shipping lines, importers and exporters and the public won’t be impacted further,” she said.

“It demonstrates that respectful and collaborative negotiation can deliver outcomes that work for all.”

The cancelled strike would have been the second by vessel traffic service officers and small craft masters.

An initial strike went ahead for 48 hours last week, with minimal impact to port operations.