Port strikes: Month-long rolling strikes cause major shipping delays

Rolling industrial action at major ports has resulted in vessels being rerouted. But strike action at the Port of Melbourne has ceased, for one surprising reason.

Container and shipping infrastructure is seen in Port Melbourne, where a number of Covid-19 cases have reduced labour availability in recent days. PICTURE: Ellen Smith

Ongoing industrial action across major Australian ports has caused shipping delays up to six days long, with vessels carrying agricultural goods rerouted to other ports.

Industrial action by the Maritime Union of Australia at the ports of Sydney, Brisbane and Fremantle are expected to take place until at least mid-October.

But industrial action at the Port of Melbourne was withdrawn last week, after a number of positive Covid-19 cases were connected the terminal.

The industrial action at Melbourne was withdrawn on October 6, after terminal labour was reduced 32 per cent due to two positive cases and resulting isolation requirements.

A third Covid-19 case was connected to the port late last week.

According to the Patrick Company, current delays between five to six days at Melbourne are the result of reduce labour availability due to Covid-19 cases.

Sydney Patrick terminals are experience delays averaging 4.8 days.

Patrick Terminals chief executive Michael Jovicic said it was “highly disappointing” the MUA continue to opt for industrial action, after Patrick Terminals issued the MUA with a final letter of offer including concessions that provide pay increases, job security and guaranteed focus on permanent roles.

“The ongoing industrial action by the MUA is impacting our ability to efficiently and reliably move containers. In the context of ongoing Covid issues and upcoming forecast bumper harvest, this provides uncertainty for exporters. We know that our agricultural exporters are highly depend on efficient and effective supply chains in order to ensure the highest quality products are delivered to their export markets,” Mr Jovicic said.

“Any form of delay resulting from this industrial action by the MUA will unfortunately and unnecessarily negatively impact farmers.”

In Western Australia, an ongoing dispute between QUBE and the union at the port of Fremantle has disrupted services, with significant supply-china disruptions.

QUBE – a national integrated logistic company – operates Australia-wide, but is being affected by disputes at the Fremantle port, which handlings bulk cargo including bulk agricultural equipment, building materials, fertilisers and other vehicles.

The dispute, involving 134 employees at Fremantle – has resulted in cargo being diverted to Adelaide and Melbourne, delaying equipment for Western Australia grain producers.

Wallenius Wilhelmsen Oceania logistic services Kim Buoy said the situation was “challenging” for customers.

“There is an urgent need for Qube and the MUA to find a solution to the dispute as soon as possible to minimise the impact to the Australian market and the industries and communities we serve,” Mr Buoy said.

The Weekly Times has approached the MUA for comment.