Militant unions escalate picket at Webb Dock
MORE than 1000 fired-up union workers have walked off the job in an industrial dispute over a casual worker denied shifts at the Victorian International Container Terminal.
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MORE than 1000 fired-up union workers have walked off the job in an industrial dispute over a casual worker denied shifts at the Victorian International Container Terminal.
In an expletive-ridden speech, CFMEU boss John Setka declared the company was in “big trouble” as workers stood together to protest their rights.
“I almost feel sorry for the VICT,” he said.
OBIKES USED AS BLOCKADE IN ILLEGAL UNION PROTEST
“You are in big trouble.”
The stoush is over a Maritime Union of Australia member, missing out on casual shifts after being denied the security clearance required to work in a restricted area.
A wall of union demonstrators gathered at Webb Dock to protest stoush over worker being denied shifts over security issue @theheraldsun pic.twitter.com/UBnOu3pSHr
â Aneeka Simonis (@AneekaSimonis) December 7, 2017
Workers arriving by the bus load at industrial dispute protest at Webb Dock. CFMEU boss John Sektor to speak soon. Thousands expected @theheraldsun pic.twitter.com/Z1ayx5TYro
â Aneeka Simonis (@AneekaSimonis) December 7, 2017
MUA Deputy National Secretary Will Tracey claimed a security audit identified over 20 workers who did not have the correct clearances, but the worker in question was excluded because of his union membership.
“His only crime was pushing the union membership inside the dock,” he told workers.
The dispute has been going for over a week, during which time more than 1000 containers have sat idle at the dock.
A VICT spokesman previously told the Herald Sun the picket was costing the company big money, and legal action would be pursued to reclaim $100 million in damages for harm to its reputation and lost revenue.
VICT also plans to make a complaint to police about vile abuse and harassment that it alleges has been hurled at executives and their families.
Mr Setka said: “If the laws are s***, why play by them?”
He said workers were “effectively slaves” to big companies which “criminalise unionism.”
“If we follow the laws, we will never win,” he said.
The Herald Sun can reveal the man who was not granted security clearance failed in two appeals to overturn the decision.
The man excluded from work has a criminal conviction.
He has been denied a Maritime Security Identification Card, which is required for all people who work in secure areas on Australian docks under laws to protect against terrorism and other crimes.
VICT said it was not about to break the law and allow the man on site to keep the union happy.
Australian Logistics Council Managing Director Michael Kilgariff said the illegal blockade at Webb Dock is a taste of the “industrial mayhem” that would be unleashed if the CFMEU and MUA merge.
“These events are reminiscent of the bad old days on the Australian waterfront, with the MUA and the CFMEU undertaking pickets based on spurious grounds, and operating in the misguided belief that they are above the law,” he said.
“ALC is deeply concerned that if the MUA and CFMEU are allowed to merge into a militant mega-union, the sort of wilful illegality we are now witnessing at Webb Dock will spread throughout the nation, and across our supply chains
“The actions of the MUA and the CFMEU at Webb Dock are not only an attack on businesses, but on the entire community. Fresh produce is rotting on the wharf, and merchandise that includes Christmas gifts for children is unable to move.”
Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations Robert Clark said: “This picket is hurting farmers and businesses across Victoria and is doing huge damage to Victoria’s international reputation, and to confidence, investment and jobs,” he said.
Australian Council of Trade Unions Secretary Sally McManus said workers need “stronger, better rights” to protect their “vulnerable workforce”.
The Supreme Court has ordered the Maritime Union of Australia to stop the picket, but other unions have taken up the fight.
Terminal officials say the action is being captured on CCTV to monitor who attends the protests and in case the court order is breached.
It is also considering further legal action.
The union earlier this week resorted to using the troublesome oBikes in the illegal blockade leaving thousands of goods, including Christmas presents, seafood and lifesaving EpiPens, stranded in containers.
The imports affected include pharmaceutical goods, including EpiPens, prawns and other seafood, toys, Christmas decorations, including artificial trees, and machinery parts, including conveyor belt parts.
But exports have also been sidelined during the dispute, with the list including wine, cheese, frozen meat, oranges, stone fruit, pears, cotton, clay, and large amounts of milk destined for China.
Victoria Police said it was aware of the ongoing protest and would monitor it.
“Victoria Police respects people’s right to protest peacefully, but will not tolerate those who break the law,” a spokeswoman said.