Tasmanian ports facing industrial action

SEVERAL MONTHS of failed enterprise agreement negotiations have come to head in Tasmania, with members of the MUA and AMOU taking protected industrial action against TasPorts from 0600 tomorrow [8 August].

TasPorts says the action affects roles central to scheduling and moving vessels, including vessel traffic services and marine operations. “TasPorts is assessing the potential operational impacts and has a number of mitigation measures in place to support continued port operations and Tasmania's supply chains,” the company said. “The extent of any operational impact will depend on how the action is applied from Saturday.”

Both notices include an exemption for maritime emergencies. Safety remains TasPorts’ number one priority, it says, and any port services will only proceed where it can be undertaken safely and in accordance with regulatory requirements. 

The MUA confirmed the unsuccessful negotiations involve a replacement Enterprise Agreement covering Launch Masters and Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Officers.

The MUA Tasmania branch secretary, Alisha Bull, said that “despite months of discussions, TasPorts has failed to put forward an offer that recognises the vital role these highly skilled, safety-critical workers perform every day".

"It marks the first time MUA members employed by TasPorts have been pushed to take protected industrial action by the recalcitrance and pigheadedness of their bosses,” Ms Bull said.

TasPorts CEO Captain Allan Gray said the organisation remained focussed on working with customers and stakeholders while continuing to negotiate in good faith. 

"We're working closely with our customers and stakeholders to understand and plan for any impacts and minimise disruption where it is safe and practical to do so,” Capt Gray said.

"We respect our employees' right to take protected industrial action and remain committed to negotiating in good faith to reach a fair and sustainable enterprise agreement. 

“TasPorts has made comprehensive offers, responded to matters raised during negotiations, and remains available to continue discussions. We want an agreement that fairly recognises our employees while supporting our customers and serving the long-term interests of Tasmania." 

TasPorts will provide updates should operational arrangements change. 

The MUA said launch masters provided a twenty-four hour, seven day a week service, often responding at all hours of the day and night to ensure vessels can safely enter and depart Tasmanian ports but despite the critical nature of their work, TasPorts continues to offer little more than CPI-level wage increases “while refusing to make meaningful progress on the issues workers have consistently identified as priorities.

“Union members are seeking fair wage increases that properly recognise their qualifications, experience and responsibilities, pay rates that are comparable with equivalent maritime workers interstate, the introduction of an even-time roster for launch masters to provide a sustainable work-life balance, and an increase in employer superannuation from 12.5% to 15%, bringing marine employees into line with industry standards and other TasPorts employees.

“Instead, TasPorts has pursued what members describe as a "no change" agenda across almost every substantive claim over a proposed four-year agreement.

“After months of bargaining, workers have grown increasingly frustrated by what they see as repeated excuses, unnecessary delays and a lack of genuine engagement from management.

“The consequences extend well beyond this bargaining round. Staff morale has deteriorated significantly, experienced employees are questioning their future with the organisation, and there are growing concerns about TasPorts' ability to recruit and retain the skilled workforce needed to safely operate Tasmania's ports into the future,” Ms Bull said.

The company's bargaining position is made even more difficult for workers to understand when viewed alongside TasPorts' own public reporting, she said.

“TasPorts has continued increasing charges to port users year after year while publicly promoting strong financial performance and results exceeding budget expectations. At the same time, its remuneration disclosures reveal substantial salary increases for senior executives, with some executive pay rising by almost nine per cent in a single year,” Ms Bull said.

The company’s own half-year financial report also records a reduction in employee costs.

“Workers rightly question why there always appears to be money available for executive salaries while the employees who keep Tasmania's ports operating safely are told they should accept little more than inflation,” Ms Bull said.

The MUA has underlined the fact that its members have not taken the decision to commence industrial action lightly.