Published: 27 May 2011
The MUA will save Patrick from itself by returning to work today.
The MUA has put to its members that protected industrial action in the form of limited work bans at Patrick container terminals in Sydney, Brisbane and Fremantle be lifted.
MUA workers showed up for work this morning in Sydney, Brisbane and Fremantle.
"Patrick has chosen to escalate this dispute by unilaterally closing down its container terminals, which was never intended by the MUA," National Secretary Paddy Crumlin said.
Deputy National Secretary Mick Doleman said the MUA had always intended to continue to work after the latest notification.
"Patrick owns the decision to shut down the ports but in any event the union has determined that work should resume in an effort to undo the damage of Patrick's decisions.
"We're saving Patrick from themselves.
The union's concerns about safety and training remain. Safety is the critical productivity issue on the Australian waterfront.
The stevedoring industry has an appalling safety record in this country and the union needs to address this as part of the next EBA.
"We will now consult with our members and consult with the company and seek suitable resolution to the current dispute and the remaining areas of disagreement," Mr Doleman said.
"MUA members have been exercising their right to take limited industrial action by only working within their job description - with no overtime or transfers. This is legally protected industrial action granted by Fair Work Australia."
Deputy National Secretary Mick Doleman appeared on the 7pm project last night to talk about the dispute. You can view the video and read more here.
