by Manal Barakat, SeaNewsEditor

A seven-day strike began at 00:01 local time on 25 October in the ports of Brisbane and Darwin as part of the Qube and Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) bargaining process.

The industrial action includes several measures aimed at disrupting normal operations, including an eight-hour stoppage when vessels berth. Work will only occur in eight-hour shifts starting at 07:00, 15:00, or 23:00.

Local sources reveal that additional restrictions include bans on performing Grade 5, 6, or 7 work, limiting driving speeds to 15 km/h on the wharf for car carriers and ro-ro operations, and prohibiting transfers between berths and sites once work is allocated.

In addition to other measures related to shift extensions and work during breaks, there will be a one-hour work stoppage at 05:30, 13:30, and 21:30 daily.

Container handling operations performed by union members will be disrupted during the strike period.

Closures at Patrick Terminal in Brisbane have also been announced for yard infrastructure and system maintenance between 0700 and 2300 on Tuesday, 5 November, which marks Melbourne Cup Day.

Container delivery and pick-up schedules may be affected during these hours.