Maritime Union Begins Strike at Fremantle Port

Fremantle Ports, who operate the harbor servicing Western Australia, is beginning its 2-day labor union strike in demand for higher pay. As of yet, shipping movements have not been affected due to this, although 34 scheduled movements including cargo vessels, bulk carriers and container ships are all due to arrive through the strike’s duration.

Australian stops have increased since the passage of the Fair Work Act. The days lost due to industrial disputes have tripled in recent months as unions are seeking higher pay and job security, while the cost of living in Australia is steadily rising.

Fremantle Port alone handles almost $27 billion in trade annually. This includes almost all container trade for Western Australia, livestock exports, and cargo imports. Shipping disruptions amidst this strike are not to be ruled out.

The port has offered to increase wages by 4.75 annually over three years and this has been rejected by unionists’. The Prime Minister, Gillard, has been asked to intervene by suspending the action through Fair Work Australia, the country’s labor regulator.