Aussie Tug Crews Plan Strikes in Western Ports as Well
Image Courtesy: SvitzerThe Australian Institute of Marine and Power Engineers (AIMPE) tug crews plan to extend their industrial campaign against Denmark-based tug operator Svitzer to operations in the Australian West Coast ports, according to GAC.
The 12-hour stoppages, which will affect all coal carriers, fuel carriers, car importers and bulk container vessels entering port, are scheduled to take place in Fremantle and Kwinana on January 14, starting at 7am and 8am, respectively.
As a result of this threatened industrial action, this morning Svitzer commenced the process for its workforce to vote on its proposed agreement, which would force three-person tug crews under a single, four-year enterprise contract.
Svitzer said it had already reached agreement with two unions, out of three involved in the matter, namely the Australian Maritime Officers Union (AMOU) and the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA). Negotiations for a new agreement have been underway with the three maritime unions since October.
The access period will run until Monday, 18 January. The ballot period will run 19-22 January, GAC said.
As World Maritime News reported, tug crews last week announced 12-hour strikes which will shut down activities in the ports of Sydney, Botany, Geelong and Newcastle on January 12, and the ports of Brisbane and Melbourne on January 13.
World Maritime News Staff
