Patrick Terminals have advised CTAA (Container Transport Alliance Australia) of the latest notification regarding industrial action by the MUA (Maritime Union of Australia). Patrick Terminals have labelled the action as an “aggressive round of nationwide strikes during the peak pre-Christmas freight period.”
The actions consist of strikes and work bans at Patrick Terminals in Sydney, Fremantle and Melbourne, as well as rolling industrial action in Brisbane.
- VIC
Patrick Melbourne Terminal, with forty (40) new industrial action notifications, is effectively closing East Swanson Terminal every Monday, Wednesday and Friday during October and impacts across all other days of the month.
- NSW
Patrick Sydney Autostrad Terminal will endure workforce performance bans in the first week of October, and a closure of the Terminal over the weekend of 2-3 October.
- QLD & WA
Both the Patrick Brisbane and Fremantle Terminals will suffer continued work performance and overtime bans.
The impact will be felt in increased vessel berthing delays, particularly in Melbourne and Sydney, and landside import pick up and export receival schedules being severely disrupted. It may also lead to some vessels omitting affected ports, such as Melbourne or Sydney, leading to import transhipment delays and “rolled” export consignments.
Patrick’s CEO, Michael Jovicic, has issued a strongly worded Media Statement condemning the actions of the MUA, saying: “The MUA’s actions are frankly bewildering. It seems to have completely lost the plot. This blatantly aggressive strike action demonstrates that it has no regard for the suffering of everyday Australians who have felt the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns, job losses and restrictions over the past 18 months.” Take a look at Patrick’s notice to customers here.
For further news on the strikes, head here.
EES Shipping and our nominated transport operators will do everything possible to minimise disruption to your business. Note we cannot be held liable for any detention or penalties incurred due to disruptions that are outside of our control.
