Dock strike in Australia over death

Wednesday, 25 September 2019

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Hundreds of Western Australian wharfies and more than 1500 around Australia, have walked off the job for 24 hours in protest at a death at Melbourne Port yesterday morning, the West Australian reported.

Ship containers at Fremantle, Port Hedland, Dampier and Bunbury ports were left dockside after wharfies employed by P&O Automotive and General Stevedoring (POAGS) walked off in an illegal protest.

Maritime Union of Australia secretary Chris Cain said the wharfies wanted the Federal Government to introduce national safety guidelines.

A spokesman for POAGS defended the company’s safety management system, saying it was consistent with national industry standards.

The 24-hour stoppage delayed the loading and unloading of 15 vessels.

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