Patrick Terminals Media Statement
Last Updated: 28th September 2020
Patrick seeks intervention by Fair Work Commission to end nationwide industrial action
Patrick Terminals today applied to the Fair Work Commission seeking to end the MUA industrial action which is crippling Australia’s major container terminals.
The company today lodged an application with the FWC seeking to terminate protected industrial action which is occurring at Patrick terminals in Sydney, Melbourne Brisbane and Fremantle. The company is seeking an urgent hearing this week.
The company has also contacted the Minister for Industrial Relations Christian Porter asking that the Commonwealth intervene in the proceedings.
Patrick CEO Michael Jovicic said the MUA industrial action in pursuit of 6% annual pay rises is inflicting serious harm on the business, customers, importers, exporters and shipping lines.
“Frankly enough is enough. We have been in talks for seven months on a new enterprise agreement and the MUA have been inflicting strikes, go slows and work bans on the company for nearly a month. The union is threatening to ramp up the industrial action this week and has notified of a 24 hour strike at Port Botany on Friday.”
“As a result of the MUA action there are now 40 container ships off the Australian coast waiting to come into port. Port Botany is running three weeks behind schedule and our Melbourne terminal more than a week. We now have close to 90 thousand containers being held up and there’s no end in sight.”
“I’m bewildered that the MUA would take such damaging action in the midst of a pandemic. It’s unaustralian and does them no credit.”
“Many of our employees have told us they don’t want to be a part of the industrial action but are fearful of retribution by the MUA. This is completely understandable but the reality is they are damaging the business and their own livelihoods.”
“It’s time to bring this to an end and hopefully the Fair Work Commission will do that.”
The company’s application to the FWC is available on the Patrick website.
Mr Jovicic said he was shocked to read comments in the media from MUA boss Paddy Crumlin that there were no serious impacts being felt at Port Botany from the MUA industrial campaign. Patrick’s Port Botany terminal has seen productivity cut by half in last four weeks.
“He’s clearly willing to say anything to divert attention away from his unions actions.
Summary of MUA Claims for new Enterprise Agreement and current pay and conditions
- 6% wage increase per annum for four years
- A guarantee (no loss of jobs) for the term of agreement
- The productivity scheme to be pooled across all employees regardless of whether they contribute to the task
- Each employee to receive a $2k sign on bonus for the new enterprise agreement
- A further 60 claims for changes to conditions across terminals in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Fremantle.
The claims will add an additional $40m per annum to operational costs across the Patrick business.
Patrick has offered guaranteed payrises of 1.5% and 2.5 % over four years.
Current pay and conditions
Average base earning plus bonus and overtime across sites
Port Botany Sydney
On average a full time employee at Port Botany who is on a 35 hour roster earns $172,124 per annum inclusive of bonuses and overtime. The average number of days worked for this is 198.
On average a full time employee at Port Botany who is on a 31.5 hour roster earns $145,183 per annum inclusive of bonuses and overtime. The average number of days worked for this is 172.
East Swanson Dock Melbourne
On average a full time employee at ESD who is on a 35 hour roster earns $151,048 per annum inclusive of bonuses and overtime. The average number of days worked for this is 162.
Brisbane
On average a full time employee at Brisbane who is on a 35 hour roster earns $153,880 per annum inclusive of bonuses and overtime. The average number of days worked for this is 173.
On average a part time employee at Brisbane who works 3 weeks on, 1 week off earns $128,977 per annum inclusive of bonuses and overtime. The average number of days worked for this is 135.
Fremantle
On average a full time employee at Fremantle who is on a 35 hour roster earns $166,464 per annum inclusive of bonuses and overtime. The average number of days worked for this is 181.
On average a part time employee at Fremantle who works 3 weeks on, 1 week off earns $144,778 per annum inclusive of bonuses and overtime. The average number of days worked for this is 144.
Superannuation
In addition, employees receive 12% superannuation on 100% of earnings.
Media contact: Sarah Dennis
+61 418 653 863