Fremantle Port strike set to see delays to cargo coming to WA, as Premier calls workers back to table

A two-day work stoppage at Fremantle Port risks blowing out delays in cargo deliveries to WA by weeks, a shipping company has warned, as the Premier pleaded with workers to return to the negotiating table. As the political fallout from the decision by pilot transport operators and traffic officers to strike escalated, Roger Cook said the Port Authority — one of the busiest in Australia — had conducted negotiations with workers in good faith. The 48-hour strike — agreed to by workers after rejecting the most recent pay deal of 12.5 per cent over three years — will likely see operations at the Port significantly hampered if not effectively shut off. EES Shipping managing director Brian Hack said in some cases, vessels waiting for access to Fremantle during and in the aftermath of the strike, would move on to the east Coast. With a substantial number of planned maritime movements over the 48 hours, Mr Hack said the flow on effect would mean delays of up to a month for some cargo. Deliveries scheduled over the two days include two vehicle carriers, multiple cargo ships and grain transport, as well as oil tankers. Instead of being unloaded in Fremantle, some ships would continue around Australia’s south coast to Melbourne or Sydney, where cargo would then be placed on a shuttle back to the West. Mr Hack said the strike “did not bode well” for port operations. “We’re already going through some issues — Fremantle trade lane has been experiencing quite a lot of delays at the moment,” he said. “Obviously, this strike is just going to put a little bit more of a strain in the coming months as it knocks on vessels as well, it presents a bit of a problem.” Mr Cook said he was concerned the Unions had decided to strike, amid the “good faith negotiations”, but said the Port’s operations would see “minor disruptions”. “We’ve put a good package to those workers. We’ve had good conversations with them with regards to the enterprise agreement, and we’d like them to conclude and for those workers to get the benefits of the package that’s in front of them at the moment,” he said. “We’ve sought assurances and received them from the Fremantle Port Authority that they will do everything they can to mitigate against any the impacts of any industrial action, but we just urge all the parties to continue to stay at the negotiating table, reach agreement, make sure the benefits flow to those workers.” Liberal leader Libby Mettam said the Premier and his Government were being “held to ransom” by the union movement.