Fremantle Ports braces for two-day strike

Fremantle Ports in Western Australia will face a two-day strike as vessel traffic service officers and small craft personnel plan to stage a 48-hour protected industrial action starting on Sunday, 18 August.

The move is being announced as the Australian Maritime Officers Union has flagged industrial action with the port authority, which came after the union expressed dissatisfaction with the progress of contract talks with Fremantle Ports. According to local media reports, union workers demand an AU$ 20,000 upfront increase to their base salary of A$140,000 (US$92,350). The union also argues that its members earn up to AU$50,000 less than workers at other ports.

While Fremantle Ports is working to minimise disruptions, ship movements to and from berths are likely to be impacted, with nothing going in or out of Perth, including the outer harbour in Kwinana. Initial estimates indicate that the strike will cripple the movement of goods at Australia’s largest container port, with a knock-on effect expected to be felt for days.

“Vessel cargo operations and port logistics operations will not be impacted by this protected industrial action. Vessels at berth within the port will continue their scheduled cargo operations during this period, however ship movements to and from berths may be impacted,” Fremantle Ports said in a customer notice.

The strike is expected to impact around 20 vessels, including container ships and vehicle carriers, scheduled to dock at the port. according to Fremantle Ports Authority.