CSL backs down in Port Kembla

Date: 03 June 2007

Paddy Crumlin, MUA addresses picket

The ACTU, MUA, ITF and CSL brokered an agreement late Friday to settle the Capo Noli dispute in Port Kembla. Central to the agreement is recognition by CSL to abide by the IBF agreement that all stevedoring work, including work on the ship's cranes is done by local wharfies.

In turn the union recommended to the community gathering of around 300 protesters outside the wharf gates to disband so that work could commence with unloading at 6am this morning.

The dispute which centred on CSL's failure to comply with the ITF/international shipowners agreement that states ship loading is the preserve of dockworkers, is now over with CSL also agreeing to drop all court action brought against the union.

This ensures Capo Noli will now use shore based labour for the operation of its cranes at all ports in Australia, and the terms and conditions of employment of those workers will be negotiated with the MUA.

This is consistent with the terms of the ITF agreement, which obliges ship owners to utilise shore based dockers, and to negotiate with local dockers unions about the provision of dock labour.

The union announced the outcome to all persons present at Jetty 6, Christy Drive on Friday night, recommending that no-one should hinder, prevent, obstruct or interfere with the ship operations, now that the livelihoods of Australian waterside workers have been guaranteed.

For further information

Contact:	Maritime Union of Australia
Phone:	+61 2 9267 9134
Email:	muano@mua.org.au
WWW:	http://mua.org.au/

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