Dock strike in Australia over death

Wednesday, 25 September 2019

blog1

Hundreds of Western Australian wharfies and more than 1500 around Australia, have walked off the job for 24 hours in protest at a death at Melbourne Port yesterday morning, the West Australian reported.

Ship containers at Fremantle, Port Hedland, Dampier and Bunbury ports were left dockside after wharfies employed by P&O Automotive and General Stevedoring (POAGS) walked off in an illegal protest.

Maritime Union of Australia secretary Chris Cain said the wharfies wanted the Federal Government to introduce national safety guidelines.

A spokesman for POAGS defended the company’s safety management system, saying it was consistent with national industry standards.

The 24-hour stoppage delayed the loading and unloading of 15 vessels.