MUA seeks court injunction over Port Botany automation

10/09/2012 - The Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) says it will seek an injunction in the Federal Court over the failure of Patrick stevedores to consult with the union and employees over the proposed automation of the Port Botany cargo terminal.

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The injunction aims to prevent Patrick from taking any further steps to implement the proposed automation prior to consulting with the union in accordance with the EBA struck in April.

"The MUA believes Patrick's management acted in breach of the consultation clause of the EBA struck in April, when it announced on September 3 the signing of a contract with Cargotec Corporation in Finland to deliver 44 Autostrads by the end of 2013," the union said in a statement.

"The MUA has consistently criticised Asciano's announcement in mid-July that its subsidiary Patrick Stevedores would sack more than half of its Port Botany workforce and replace them with automated technology.

"The union was extremely disappointed that Patrick failed to declare its plans for automation during 20 tough months of negotiations for a new EBA."

MUA national secretary Paddy Crumlin said: "The company says it will consult then does the opposite and we're going to pull them up on this."

Source: AAP

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Have your say...

brett | 10/09/2012 11:01 1

I find it amazing that Paddy Crumlin ( more than likely with an overseas accent) union leader has the right to even question a company regarding their decisions to try and improve the productivity of their business not the MUA's business. These unions need to open their eyes and understand that these companies actually create jobs for people and it would appear they have had enough of unions believing they own the company. Well guess what Paddy, The union actions and pay demands etc is what has driven these companies and many others to look at how they can improve their business. Paddy, you are costing your members jobs. The difference between union employees and machines is Machines do their job without any hidden costs, they don't strike, they don't have sick leave, they don't have rostered days off, they don't hold companies to ransom and they actually work. Maybe unions should think hard about their continued negative actions on the Australian Employers. Paddy, harden up and be an Aussie and work stop looking for company handouts and guarantees.

Mick | 10/09/2012 11:44 2

Here here. From someone working within the stevedoring indutry the MUA want more and more for less. Pay rises and the like should be linked to productivity and equipment damage. Mua want their own trainers, want to tell us who we should train and when we shuold do it. I agree with you brett MUA want to run the bussiness instead of leaving it to the people who are qualified to do it.

brett | 10/09/2012 12:45 3

I agree Mick, If these unions are allowed to continue in this fashion all Australian industries will end up the way of our large manufacturing industries are going. Down the tubes. Good luck with holding your job Mick. Cheers

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