The long-running contract dispute between Svitzer and three maritime unions has reached a tentative agreement, which now depends on acceptance by union members. Voting on the proposed contract is now underway. The ballot opened yesterday Thursday 08 June and closes on Saturday 10 June. Svitzer says it will advise of the outcomes of the vote as soon as it is available and appropriate to do so. The unions are yet to issue a public statement on the tentative agreement.
The unions involved are: the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMMEU), the Australian Maritime Officers Union (AMOU), and the Australian Institute of Marine and Power Engineers (AIMPE). Industrial action is not possible at present while an in-principle agreement is in place and voting underway.
Crews of the Svitzer tugs – which are operated by Maersk – have been working without a contract for four years while there have been repeated strikes, threats of lockouts, and government intervention to resolve the hard-fought negotiations.
Svitzer says it is hopeful for a positive outcome among its nearly 600 employees. Its website contains the following statement:
“Svitzer can advise its customers and stakeholders that it has reached an in-principle agreement with the three maritime unions for a proposed, new National Towage Enterprise Agreement and we are now preparing for a vote on that agreement.”
They add, “Our focus right now is to inform our colleagues covered by the agreement and the certainty and benefits it provides. Svitzer has made a fair offer – and our hope is that this is reflected in a favourable vote.”
The latest agreement came as a six-month standstill undertaking from Australia’s Fair Work Commission (FWC) was due to expire, raising the prospect of renewed strikes and job actions. The unions had staged a series of rolling job actions around the ports in 2022 leading Svitzer to announce plans to lock-out its employees in November 2022. Fearing disruptions to Australia’s supply chain and economy, the Australian authorities intervened in the dispute preventing the lock-out or strikes while ordering a new round of negotiations.
Svitzer has thanked its customers for their patience during this period and acknowledged the Fair Work Commission for its assistance during negotiations.
We will report on the outcome when the voting has concluded.
Colless Young is a Licensed Customs Broker and International Freight Forwarder. We offer professional advice on all aspects of import and export procedures, including clearance through Customs and Quarantine, at all Australian ports and airports. Our logistics services cover airfreight and sea cargo, including fumigation, warehousing and trucking.
