Auriga announces EBA progress

PILOTS working for Auriga Maritime in Victoria are set to vote on whether to accept a new enterprise bargaining agreement (EBA).

This follows negotiations between the company and the Australian Maritime Officers Union (AMOU).

“Auriga Maritime confirms that its EBA negotiations with Victorian pilots have progressed to the next formal stage,” Auriga said in a statement.

“The proposed agreement will now be taken to a formal vote to then be submitted to the fair work commission for approval.

“Recent industrial action has been resolved, and Auriga does not anticipate any further disruption as the EBA process moves toward completion.”

A date for a vote was still to be announced at the time of publication.

Auriga said the developments reflected “the constructive engagement between all parties and our shared commitment to maintaining safe, reliable and uninterrupted pilotage services across Victoria’s ports”.

“Auriga Maritime will continue working closely with employees, customers and industry stakeholders throughout the finalisation of the agreement to ensure stability and continuity of service,” a spokesperson said.

“Our focus remains on delivering consistent, high-quality pilotage operations and supporting the broader supply chain during a period of sustained operational demand.”

Auriga marine pilots took protected industrial action late last month following an application made by the AMOU.

AMOU senior industrial officer Chris Neiberding told DCN last month the union had represented Auriga members for almost two years during the EA negotiations and AMOU members had shown "patience and restraint".

He said members had exercised their rights under the Fair Work Act to take protected action to pursue remuneration, operational rules, and fatigue management regulations.