Melbourne docks caught in strike as DP World workers walk-off nationwide

Medical supplies and white-goods destined for Melbourne shops and hospitals could stay stuck on ships as a four-day wharfie strike hits Australia’s biggest stevedoring company.

A four-day stoppage will start on Wednesday at Australia’s biggest stevedoring company, DP World. Two cranes being delivered to DP World Australia’s Melbourne terminal last year. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Thousands of litres of powdered milk will be left on Melbourne’s docks for days as more than 600 wharfies strike.

Victorian exports of dairy, meat and citrus destined for Asia could be affected for weeks because of the backlog of the four-day stoppage at Australia’s biggest stevedoring company, DP World.

Medical supplies, white-goods and furniture destined for Melbourne shops and hospitals could be stuck on ships waiting to be unloaded.

More than 1800 wharfies will walk off DP World terminals nationwide, demanding a three per cent pay rise and to stop workplace agreement provisions the union says could mean waterfront jobs would be lost to outsourcing and automation.

Four ships carrying thousands of containers were due to enter Melbourne’s DP World terminal during the 96-hour strike period — from Wednesday until Sunday.

The ships may have to be diverted to other terminals or have their arrivals delayed, causing a bottleneck.

More than 1800 wharfies will walk off DP World terminals nationwide, including Melbourne. Picture: File/AFP Photo/William West

Experts say chaos in tightly-timed supply chains caused by the container backlog could take weeks to clear.

The strikes are part of a national campaign by the Maritime Union of Australia. Workers walked off the DP World Brisbane terminal on Monday.

Strikes will start in Sydney and Fremantle on Thursday and Friday.

The union says it is fighting against outsourcing of jobs and cuts to income protection insurance.

It also wants protection for its workers against plans for automation.

MUA assistant national secretary Warren Smith said the company unnecessarily escalated the conflict earlier this year when it stripped workers of income protection insurance.

“Management initially used the wellbeing of workers and their families as a bargaining tool, and wharfies don’t take kindly to that kind of corporate bullying and intimidation,” Mr Smith said.

MUA Assistant National Secretary Warren Smith. Picture: Glenn Hunt/The Australian

DP World said the union had shown an “alarming refusal” to acknowledge the company’s commercial reality.

Chief operating officer Andrew Adam said the union had not made any material concessions in three months of talks.

“These claims include a wage increase well above CPI, without any willingness to support the needs of DPWA,’’ Mr Adam said.

“The union continues to demonstrate an alarming refusal to acknowledge the commercial reality of the intense competition from automated competitors.”

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Acting Premier Lisa Neville urged the parties involved to come to a quick resolution to avoid impacting everyday Victorians.

“This is a national issue and is potentially occurring at all the wharves across the country,” Ms Neville said.

“My message to all the parties is please sit down, have a conversation about this and try and find a way through.”

Victorian Transport Association CEO Peter Anderson said the company wanted a more flexible workforce.

“This, striking, is neanderthal stuff. This does not do anything. It does not change DP World’s mind, they still have to drive efficiencies in their workforce.”

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