Fremantle unions criticised over union protest

17/6/93

Transport Minister Eric Charlton has criticised Fremantle waterfront unions for not synchronising today's union protest and keeping it within guidelines set by the Trades and Labor Council.

Mr Charlton said rolling stoppages by members of the Waterside Workers' Federation and the Seamen's Union of Australia had the effect of shutting down Fremantle port operations for 36 hours instead of 24.

"An industrial stoppage of any sort damages our economy; it is unforgivable when the damage is worsened because the stoppage goes longer than necessary because unions cannot co-ordinate their actions," Mr Charlton said.

The disruptions at Fremantle began at 4.30 pm yesterday when tug operators, members of the SUA, informed the Fremantle Port Authority their service would be out of action until 5 pm today.

As well, the FPA's mooring gang - whose members belong to the SUA - began a 24-hour strike at midnight last night.

In addition, FPA boat crews withdrew their labour at 10 am today, to return to work at midnight, and WWF members also went out at 10 am today to resume at 7.30 am tomorrow.

"It is a disturbing and costly chain of events that is outside the TLC's sanctioning of a 24-hour day of action and protest by public sector unions," Mr Charlton said.

"I share the FPA management's concern about the effect this action will have on shipping lines and exporters.

"This also occurs at a time when the Government is looking at ways of encouraging shippers and exporters to get more product through our ports.

"Fremantle Port is the State's export lifeline and major disruptions of this magnitude do nothing to enhance our reputation.

"The lack of co-ordination between union members is perhaps an indication that their leaders are not in touch."

While two grain ships were exempted, six ships had been delayed by the current industrial action at Fremantle.

Mr Charlton said that on average it cost shipping lines $50,000 a day for delays to large container vessels.

Media contact: Dean Roberts 321 7333 : 222 9595