Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) applaud the decisive action by DP World Australia (DPWA) in taking the current industrial action to the Fair Work Commission (FWC).
DPWA has requested that industrial action at their Port Botany terminal to be 'terminated' because of its potential to cause significant damage to the Australian economy and to NSW in particular .
The hearing will be held tomorrow at 2pm AEST Saturday 19 September 2020.
FTA / APSA understands that should the FWC order the termination of industrial action at DPWA, normal stevedore operations would commence with the parties to participate in a 21 day 'intensive bargaining' period (this can be extended with consent of the parties for an additional 21 day bargaining period).
At the conclusion of this period(s) the FWC will arbitrate on any outstanding matters. As required, the parties have recourse options through courts of appeal.
Patrick and Hutchison will no doubt be watching the FWC outcome with interest and we assume are preparing to take similar action to manage the ongoing industrial relations challenges that they are facing.
While the international trade sector would welcome an FWC termination of industrial action at DPWA, at best we will still face an enormous challenge for the remainder of the year to manage peak season and a backlog of work creating the current port congestion.
Supporting this outcome, FTA / APSA will continue its important role of engagement with key industry and government stakeholders and in communicating evidence of the current and projected operational impacts of prolonged industrial action. |
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