There has been a further updates from Svitzer Australia that the Fair Work Commission (FWC) has issued a statement and directions late on (Tuesday, 15 Nov) listing a hearing to decide whether or not to suspend or terminate protected industrial action by Svitzer – and with it, all industrial action.
Further Update regarding a hearing scheduled in the Fair Work Commission (FWC) at 1pm AEDT (Thursday, 17 November) on the Svitzer harbour towage dispute, Svitzer has now indicated that the maritime unions have temporarily suspended all industrial action from midnight tonight (local times).
Svitzer remains committed to the FWC hearing and has indicated that the lockout remains for 12pm AEDT Friday subject to the outcome of the FWC hearing.
Delays will have a flow-on impact including vessel bunching and yard congestions. Arrival dates are expected to change based on the port congestion in each estate, our customer service and operations department will keep you posted on any delays on your shipments.
“As you will probably be aware from recent media reports Svitzer Australia, which operates tugboats at a number of major Australian ports, has announced that it intends to lock out a large number of its employees from this Friday as part of ongoing industrial action between Svitzer and the maritime unions.
If a lock out does occur from Friday this action may impact a number of ports in Australia.
There may be unavoidable delays, our customer service and operations departments will keep you posted on any particular delays with your shipments.
We will keep you informed of any developments.”
Carolina Montanez
sales manager