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Posted by David Sexton
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26 Jun, 2026
MARINE pilots working for Auriga in Melbourne have taken protected industrial action.
This followed an application made by the Australian Maritime Officers Union (AMOU) last month.
In a statement, Auriga Pilots Melbourne said it had been advised of a 24-hour stop-work action by pilots represented by the Australian Maritime Officers Union (AMOU), starting at 9am on Friday, 26 June and ending at 9am on Saturday, 27 June.
“Auriga has implemented contingency arrangements and does not anticipate any disruption to pilotage services during this period,” the statement read.
“Enterprise agreement negotiations remain ongoing, and Auriga continues to engage constructively with employee representatives in good faith.
“The safety of our people, customers and port operations remains our highest priority.”
Auriga said it would continue to monitor the situation closely and keep customers informed should circumstances change.
“As this matter relates to ongoing enterprise bargaining discussions, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time,” the company stated.
In an email to DCN, AMOU senior industrial officer Chris Neiberding said the union had represented Auriga members for almost two years during the EA negotiations and AMOU members had shown "patience and restraint".
"During the past two years, the AMOU has dealt with approximately eight different company representatives. And with each new representative, we have had to start anew," Mr Neiberding said.
"Members are exercising their rights under the Fair Work Act to take protected action to pursue remuneration, operational rules, and fatigue management regulations in line with those of other state operators.
"Pilots in Victoria are required to hold command time taking a minimum of 14 years seagoing time or prior pilotage experience to be eligible to be a Marine Pilot in Victoria. Members are only seeking competitive rates reflective of their Professional standing."
He said the AMOU continued to meet with the company to reach an agreement.
The right to hold a ballot of AMOU members was granted by Commissioner Allison of the Fair Work Commission under Section 437 of the Fair Work Act 2009.
Auriga initially objected to the application and the matter was listed for a case management conference on 14 May, but the company notified the Commission that it withdrew its objections to the application.
