MUA Industrial Action against Svitzer + Yard Meetings

Attention: Shipping Manager

MUA Industrial Action Against Svitzer:

We have received updates from carriers regarding Maritime Union of Australia’s planned industrial action against Svitzer Australia. Svitzer provides crucial towage services to ships arriving and departing Australian shores.

Schedule for planned strikes, which will take place in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Fremantle ports will be as follows:

• Tuesday 12^th January 00:01 till Friday 15^th January 23:59
• Tuesday 19^th January 00:01 till Friday 22^nd January 23:59
• Tuesday 26^th January 00:01 till Friday 29^th January 23:59

Given the current extensive delays at our ports and congestion issues with empty parks, this Industrial action will further disrupt port operations. As tugging is mainly required for towing vessels to berth and depart from terminals, any impact on tugging will in turn have a direct effect on vessel schedules on these ports. Ships will take longer to berth and turnaround times will increase.

We hope that these disputes will be resolved by both parties at their earliest, to avoid this situation from getting out of control again.

We will keep you updated as we hear further on this.

 

DP World Fremantle and Melbourne Terminals – MUA meetings:

We have received updates from FTA regarding Maritime Union of Australia’s yard meetings at DP World Terminals in Fremantle and Melbourne. These meetings are to allow employees to vote on new enterprise agreement and are scheduled as follows:

• Fremantle Terminal – Tuesday, 19^th January from 9:30 am till 1:30 pm.
• Melbourne Terminal – Friday, 15^th January from 1 pm till 3 pm

Terminal operations will stop during these hours.

Best Regards,