CFMEU, Maritime Union of Australia sued over Melbourne docks blockade

THE CFMEU and Maritime Union of Australia are being sued $8.2 million over an illegal blockade which resulted in thousands of medical supplies and gifts being held hostage at Melbourne’s docks.

Militant unions are being sued $8.2 million over an illegal blockade which resulted in thousands of medical supplies and gifts being held hostage at Melbourne’s docks. Picture: Nicole Garmston

MILITANT unions are being sued $8.2 million over an illegal blockade which resulted in thousands of medical supplies and gifts being held hostage at Melbourne’s docks.

The Victorian International Container Terminal is suing the CFMEU and Maritime Union of Australia over the dispute which left thousands of containers stranded at Webb Dock late last year.

MILITANT UNIONS ESCALATE PICKET AT WEBB DOCK

UNIONS TARGETED IN WEBB DOCK CRISIS AS PICKET DRAGS ON

WEBB DOCK PICKET OVER AFTER 19 DAYS

In its statement of claim submitted to the Supreme Court of Victoria on Wednesday, VICT is suing both unions for $5.5 million in damages relating to transport and suppliers costs of cargo left stranded at the docks.

It will also seek a further $2.7 million from the unions over shipping line costs and reputational damage and loss of future earnings.

The Victorian International Container Terminal is suing the CFMEU and Maritime Union of Australia over the dispute. Picture: Nicole Garmston

VICT is suing both unions for $5.5 million in damages relating to transport and suppliers costs of cargo left stranded at the docks Picture: Stuart McEvoy

The legal document states CFMEU and MUA conspired with each other to cause damage to the shipping company.

The dispute, which broke out on November 27, revolved around a sacked wharfie who was not being given shifts after being denied the security clearance required to work in a restricted area.

The Herald Sun previously revealed the casual MUA worker, Richard Lunt, had been the centre of another workplace dispute that cost market growers millions of dollars in lost revenue.

Lunt is understood to have bike links.

Between 100-200 trucks which visit the terminal each day were barred from transporting containers during the illegal 19-day picket.

Medical supplies including lifesaving EpiPens, Christmas gifts and seafood were among thousands of items left stranded in containers during the dispute.