Fremantle Ports / AMOU - Protected Industrial Action - Update 1

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) wish to advise that we have received information from Fremantle Ports senior management that the Australian Maritime Officers Union WA (AMOU) has given notice of industrial action at Fremantle Port starting on 18 August.

The industrial action is being taken as a result of protracted negotiations on a new Marine Services Enterprise Agreement, with vessel traffic service officers and small craft personnel covered by the agreement to take 48 hours protected industrial action (PIA) from 5.30am, Sunday August 18.

Following is the formal announcement from Fremantle Ports :

INDUSTRIAL ACTION 
 
Fremantle Ports has received notice that vessel traffic service officers and small craft personnel covered by the Marine Services Enterprise Agreement intend to take 48 hours protected industrial action?from 5.30am, Sunday August 18 for 48 hours. 
 
Fremantle Ports is committed to working with stakeholders and port partners to minimise impacts to them and the community, that might arise from the stoppage.? 
 
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 understands that customers and partners will be keen to see any disruptions to trade minimised.  

We remain committed to reaching an amicable resolution to this matter, through good faith bargaining and respectful, collaborative discussion.? 

The Small Craft Masters and Vessel Traffic Services Officers employed under the Marine Services Enterprise Agreement voted in late June for protected action through a Protected Action Ballot Order (PABO). As required by the Protected Action Ballot Order, the notice was received late yesterday, three days in advance of the industrial action.? 
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We will continue to keep you informed, and should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Senior Manager Commercial Asha Tucker on 9430 3555.? 
  
Regards,
Jamie Allardice
General Manager, Commercial and Customer