by Manal Barakat, SeaNewsEditor

The Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) has expressed concerns regarding DP World Australia's plan to automate container terminals in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane.

According to the union, DP World intends to invest over USD600 million in replacing skilled Australian dockworkers with automated equipment.

The MUA claims that the operator made this announcement without fulfilling the consultation requirements outlined in the Enterprise Agreement signed just over a year ago.

It further believes that the automation plan will lead to less productive, more costly, and less safe container terminals.

They argue that evidence from international container operations in busier ports shows that automated terminals are not as efficient as those operated by skilled stevedores.

The MUA highlighted Patrick Terminals' recent early agreement with the union as a sign of industrial harmony and commercial pragmatism, contrasting it with DP World's approach.

As part of its demands, the union insists that DP World fulfil the consultation requirements in the Enterprise Agreement before proceeding with the automation plans.

Stay ahead with the latest updates! Subscribe to our SeaNews newsletter for the most relevant information.