DP World and port workers remain in deadlock amid fiery pay dispute

A fierce industrial relations dispute between port operator DP World and wharfies could kick up another gear as the Fair Work Commission gives the all-clear for workers to vote on bans of up to 16 hours. Employees of DP World in ports across Australia have been engaging in selective industrial action since October, throwing export gateways — mostly on the East Coast — into disarray. The action continues in their fight for higher pay from its Dubai-headquartered employer. The feud has escalated significantly over the past week, with DP World calling in the Federal Government to step in claiming the action is costing the Australian economy $84 million per week, according to a report commissioned by the company. “The MUA’s actions show they have little regard for Australian businesses and consumers and are effectively bringing trade to a standstill by refusing to negotiate on fair and sustainable terms in favour of protected industrial action,” DP World executive vice president Oceania Nicolaj Noes said. “Government intervention is essential to break this deadlock.” CFMEU maritime branch secretary WA Will Tracey told The West Australian half of the workers who had turned up at 5am this morning for their shift at the Port of Fremantle were sent home. The port operator had said any workers who participate in bans won’t be paid. There are about 225 people employed by DP World at Fremantle. “We’ve got no choice to continue the action, they’re trying to make their problem the Australian economy’s problem,” Mr Tracey said. He also pushed back against DP World’s claims the action was costing the Port of Fremantle millions of dollars in perished goods. “The terminal is still ticking over, and clients are starting to get all their gear in and out.” Last week, DP World dished out data that claimed the State Government-owned Port of Fremantle had lost about $3.2m worth of cargo and that freight delay costs were standing at $1.5m. The same data also suggests that Fremantle has been the least affected port in Australia by the industrial action. V&V Walsh chief executive Brent Dancer said on Tuesday that the major WA meat exporter was avoiding disruption by using other terminal operators.