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Posted by David Sexton
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9 July, 2026
STEVEDORES must pay a social dividend if they want to introduce changes in the form of artificial intelligence and automation, the Maritime Union of Australia says.
The MUA has targeted DP World on social media of late, saying they wanted AI and automation, "then they must pay the social dividend".
“The new technology doesn’t have to cost our members their jobs or put their livelihoods at risk just so a terminal operator can boost profits," the union stated.
“It should be used to improve workers’ lives, not destroy them.”
A key demand is a 28‑hour week with no loss of pay “for all workers whose jobs are in the crosshairs of AI and automation”.
“The MUA is fighting right now for a shorter working week in our disputes with DP World, and we see this as part of a wider struggle,” the union stated.
“This isn’t just about wharfies – job‑killing technology threatens all workers. The gains from automation and AI should go to the whole working class, not a small group of shareholders.”
DP World declined to comment when approached by DCN.
Shipping Australia also declined to add to our story.
The union has encouraged workers who are worried about AI and automation to demand their local politicians regulate it in the interests of workers, and back unions pushing for shorter hours with full pay.
This issue has occurred in other parts of the world, for example in the US east coast where large scale industrial action by longshoremen occurred almost two years ago, with unions fearful of job losses due to automation.
MUA national secretary Jake Field also raised the topic at a Mission to Seafarers lunch in Melbourne recently.
