Update: 16.10.2023

Workers participating in industrial action at Australian ports are planning further work stoppages. The action is expected to affect operations throughout the month of October unless an agreement is reached before then.

Last week, DP World informed customers that the CFMMEU (Maritime Union of Australia division) called for bans on overtime and shift extensions across all DP World terminals. In addition to these bans, there will be a series of stoppages ranging from 2 to 24 hours at the terminals. Following is a concise list of the dates during which the industrial action is planned.

• Brisbane Port:  bans extend from 7 to 30 October. Stoppages ranging from 2 to 24 hours are planned between 15 and 30 October, with a full 24-hour stoppage on Sunday 15 October, commencing at 11.00 pm.
• Sydney Port:   bans extend from 7 to 30 October. Work stoppage is expected, ranging from 2 to 24 hours between 16 and 30 October. A full 24-hour stoppage is planned for Friday, 20 October, commencing at 6.00 am.
• Melbourne Port:   bans extend from 8 to 30 October, while work stoppages ranging from 2 to 4 hours are expected between 15 and 30 October.
• Fremantle Port:   bans extend from 15 to 30 October. Two-hour work stoppages are also planned throughout this period.

Kuehne+Nagel Australia continues to monitor the situation closely, providing updates whenever possible. Please do not hesitate to contact your local Kuehne + Nagel representative if you have any questions.

Update: 10.10.2023

According to an update shared by DP World, the industrial action at Australian ports could continue to affect operations until late this month. Following is a more detailed view of what is expected at DP World terminals as per the latest information from the operator:

Sydney

The bans started on 7 October and would likely remain until 13 October. The bans affect overtime, shift extension and other work-related operations.

Melbourne

The industrial action started on 8 October and is expected to remain until 20 October. The time of work stoppages vary in length, extending from 1 to 24 hours, and they include overtime, shift extensions and vessel operations.

Fremantle

Work stoppage started on 6 October with bans affecting overtime, work on certain ships and other operations.

Brisbane

Work stoppage started on 7 October and could remain until 13 October, affecting overtime and shift extensions.

In the meantime, it is important to note that the time periods of the industrial action vary for each port and could potentially extend up to 30 October. Kuehne+Nagel has recently received an extended list from the port operator, showing the planned work bans for each port.

Original article: 04.10.2023

Members of the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) will begin work bans and stoppages, including 24-hour strikes for two weeks at DP World terminals in Melbourne, Sydney, Fremantle and Brisbane from 6 October to 20 October.

In response, carriers such as Maersk and PIL have announced changes to their vessel schedules or will call other terminals at the ports to avoid delays.

Maersk has announced rotation changes for the Maersk Rubicon, adding a Sydney call before Tauranga.

The YM Wealth will call VICT in Melbourne instead of DP World on Monday, 9 October. There is no impact on the vessel schedule thus far.

The strikes come about as the union representing port workers seeks substantial wage increases to compensate for work during the pandemic.

As reported by the Freight and Trade Alliance, MUA also claims that DP World managers are "pushing for wage cuts of up to 32% and roster changes that would see family life suffer across its entire permanent workforce".

On the back of an expired workers' contract and failing negotiations, the union said it intends to bring management to the negotiating table and foster cooperation and respect for its workers' demands.

While DP World may have contingency plans in place, it estimates the strikes could cost the Australian economy $11 million a day ahead of the Christmas period.

"We are committed to keep [sic] Australia's economy moving and minimise disruption whilst we work to achieve a swift resolution on the enterprise agreement in the coming weeks," said DP World executive vice-president Nicolaj Noes.

He added that the roster changes would allow the port to meet customer needs better, adapt to changing vessel schedules and align with industry expectations. For employees, the new system would ensure a more even skill distribution. He noted that on a similar work schedule, an employee would take the same or occasionally higher take-home pay compared to the current system.

Further negotiations are to take place from 17 to 19 October.