DP World Australia (DPWA) and the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) have finalised all four enterprise agreements at DP World’s terminals. This agreement has closed a two and a half year negotiation process for replacement agreements.
A final ballot held yesterday (Monday 22Feb) at DP World Melbourne saw the majority of the employees vote in favour of their new enterprise agreement.
DP World Australia, Chief Operating Officer, Andrew Adam says “All agreements have now been signed off by employees at our Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney and Fremantle terminals.”
“With our enterprise agreements finalised we are ready to strengthen our focus toward improving our operations, enabling trade flow, and partnering with clients to produce world-class trade solutions for your business.”
“In addition to finalising agreements, we are proud that we have been able to provide you with a reliable service. Over the past five months, DP World Australia has enjoyed zero industrial action at our East-Coast terminals.”
“This stability has enabled the resumption of pre-bargaining levels of productivity and reduced congestion in the Australian network.”
All Australian terminals are now operating “Normally and without berthing delays.”
“We are very proud of the agreements we have delivered. They provide a strong and stable platform to encourage growth of our business, secure fair terms for our employees, and support productivity improvements for customers.” Adams says.
This enterprise agreement resurgence encourages scrutiny on shipping lines administering additional surcharges on exporters and importers. The following surcharges need to be reviewed:
- Congestion surcharges on exporters and importers of up to USD 350 per TEU;
- Container detention penalties for ‘late’ dehire of empty containers and refusal to compensate importers for the cost of the staged empty container movements when shipping lines contracted empty container parks are at capacity.
We will continue to monitor the landscape and provide updates where necessary.