Protected Industrial Action Update – 4 November

Protected Industrial Action Update – 4 November

Dear Customers and Stakeholders

The maritime unions have notified Svitzer of further protected industrial action affecting Queensland and WA ports next week. 

The latest notices are from the Australian Institute of Marine and Power Engineers (AIMPE) (Tug Engineers) and the Australian Maritime Officers Union (AMOU) (Tug Masters).

A summary of this is provided below. All times provided are local time.

Summary of new Protected Industrial Action

Queensland – Brisbane 

  • Two days where fixed term employees outside of rostered duty will not be available from 12pm 9 November until 12pm 11 November 2022. This will affect the availability of tug masters.

Queensland – Cairns and Mourilyan 

  • 7 days where fixed term employees will not be available for duty starting at 00:01 on 9 November (until 00:01, 16 November). This will affect the availability of tug masters.
  • A further ban on tug masters performing recall and/or relief work from 00:01 9 November through 23:59 15 November 2022. 

Both of these actions will challenge crew availabilities and customers should plan for disruption to services at both of these ports.

WA – Geraldton

  • A 4-hour work stoppage by tug engineers (AIMPE members) from 21:00 Wednesday, 9 November (until 01:00 10 November). 

We regret the impact that this unnecessary, protected industrial action by the unions is having on your business and to service reliability and port operations.

Thank you again for your patience and understanding.

We appreciate that the nature and range of the actions can be complex to understand. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your Svitzer point of contact should you have any questions or concerns.

Nb. Summary of action below – searchable table by Port with detail of impact at bottom of this post

Definition /  explanation of industrial actions

Ban on beginning a job that will take employees past the 12th hour of continuous duty:  Our crews work 12 hour shifts with some flexibility to go over 12 hours for a small amount of time such as 30 minutes as over time. This ban will remove that flexibility that each crew will only work 12 hours. If a job is scheduled that may bring them over 12 hours they will not start that job. This does not mean that we cannot provide 24 hour service. It means tugs need to be scheduled differently and our operations team will work closely with VTS teams to minimize any delays that may occur as a result of this ban. It is difficult to predict impact as it depends on the schedule in the port on the day.

Ban on continuous operation of vessel or vessels for a period in excess of 5 hours without a 30-minute rest break: Our crews take relevant meal/rest breaks flexibly to accommodate port shipping schedule. This ban removes that flexibility that each crew will take a 30 minute break if they have operated continuously for 5 hours. It means tugs need to be scheduled differently and our operations team will work closely with VTS teams to minimize any delays that may occur as a result of this ban. It is difficult to predict impact as it depends on the schedule in the port on the day.

Ban on performing recall and/or relief work by masters, engineers or deckhands: Bans on being recalled from leave and performing relief work. This effectively removes relief capacity at several ports and the ability to service operations should there be any absences, illness or leave.

Summary table of current Protected Industrial Action
as at 4 November 2022

Protected Industrial Action – 4 November

PortState Date of ActionPeriodType of Industrial Action(s)
Adelaide2022-10-28 08:00:00IndefiniteBan on beginning a job that will take employees (tug masters) past the 12th hour of continuous duty (AMOU)
Adelaide2022-11-03 00:01:0027 days – ends midnight 30 Nov 2022ban on performing recall and/or relief work by engineers
Adelaide2022-11-04 00:01:006 days – until 11.59 10 Novban on inputting data into maintenance system (MUA members)
Adelaide2022-11-04 00:01:006 days – until 11.59pm 10/11/2022Ban on performance of work on certain shipping line vessels (customers have been contacted directly already) (MUA members)
Adelaide2022-11-04 00:01:007 days – until 11.59pm 10/11/2022ban on undertaking online training courses (MUA members)
Albany2022-11-01 08:00:00IndefiniteBan on beginning a job that will take employees (tug masters) past the 12th hour of continuous duty (AMOU)
Albany2022-11-01 08:00:00indefiniteBan on continuous operation of vessel or vessels (by a tug master) for a period in excess of 5 hours without a 30-minute rest break (AMOU)
Albany2022-11-03 07:00:0024hours24 hour work stoppage from 0700
Albany2022-11-03 00:01:0027 days – ends midnight 30 Nov 2022ban on performing recall and/or relief work by engineers
Albany2022-11-04 00:01:006 days – until 11.59 10 Novban on inputting data into maintenance system (Sertica) (MUA members)
Albany2022-11-04 00:01:007 days – until 11.59pm 10/11/2022ban on undertaking online training courses (MUA members)
Albany2022-11-04 00:01:006 days – until 11.59pm 10/11/2022Ban on performance of work on certain shipping line vessels (customers have been contacted directly already) (MUA members)
Brisbane2022-10-28 08:00:00IndefiniteBan on continuous operation of vessel or vessels (by tug masters) for a period in excess of 5 hours without a 30-minute rest break (AMOU)
Brisbane2022-10-28 08:00:00IndefiniteBan on tug masters beginning a job that will take employees past the 12th hour of continuous duty (AMOU)
Brisbane2022-11-01 09:00:0072 hoursban on training masters, engineers and ratings (except for training related to statutory drills and emergency preparedness) (AMOU)
Brisbane2022-11-03 00:01:0027 days – ends midnight 30 Nov 2022ban on performing recall and/or relief work by engineers
Brisbane2022-11-04 00:01:006 days – until 11.59 10 Novban on inputting data into maintenance system (MUA members)
Brisbane2022-11-04 00:01:006 days – until 11.59pm 10/11/2022Ban on performance of work on certain shipping line vessels (customers have been contacted directly already) (MUA members)
Brisbane2022-11-04 00:01:007 days – until 11.59pm 10/11/2022ban on undertaking online training courses (MUA members)
Brisbane2022-11-04 00:00:00indefiniteAn indefinite ban on training crew – except for training relating to statutory drills and emergency preparedness (AMOU members)
Brisbane2022-11-05 22:00:008 hoursAn 8 hour stop work period by masters meaning tugs are not able to be crewed and operated (AMOU)
Brisbane2022-11-05 06:00:0048 hours2 days where permanent part time employees will not be available (AMOU)
Brisbane2022-11-08 06:00:0024 hoursa ban by the AMOU where fixed term employees (tug masters) are not available for duty from 6am
Brisbane2022-11-09 12:00:0048 hours2 days where fixed term employees (tug masters) are not available outside of rostered duty (from 12pm until 12pm) (AMOU action)
Cairns2022-10-28 08:00:00IndefiniteBan on beginning a job that will take employees (tug masters) past the 12th hour of continuous duty (AMOU)
Cairns2022-10-28 08:00:00IndefiniteBan on continuous operation of vessel or vessels (by a tug master) for a period in excess of 5 hours without a 30-minute rest break (AMOU)
Cairns2022-11-01 00:01:0024 hours24 hour work stoppage (by MUA members)
Cairns2022-11-02 00:01:0024 hours24 hour work stoppage (by MUA members)
Cairns2022-11-03 00:01:0027 days – ends midnight 30 Nov 2022ban on performing recall and/or relief work by engineers
Cairns2022-11-04 00:01:006 days – until 11.59 10 Novban on inputting data into maintenance system (MUA members)
Cairns2022-11-04 00:00:0024 hourscasual employees not available for duty commencing at 00:01 (AMOU members)
Cairns2022-11-04 00:01:0024 hoursPermanent part time employees unavailable for work outside of rostered duty (AMOU)
Cairns2022-11-04 00:01:0024 hoursfixed term employees that are tug masters unable to work outside of rostered duty (AMOU members)
Cairns2022-11-04 00:00:00indefiniteAn indefinite ban on training crew – except for training relating to statutory drills and emergency preparedness (AMOU)
Cairns2022-11-04 00:01:007 days – until 11.59pm 10/11/2022ban on undertaking online training courses (MUA members)
Cairns2022-11-04 00:01:006 days – until 11.59pm 10/11/2022Ban on performance of work on certain shipping line vessels (customers have been contacted directly already) (MUA members)
Cairns2022-11-09 00:01:007 days until 00:01 16 Novban on fixed term employees (tug masters) availability for duty for 7 days (AMOU action)
Cairns2022-11-09 00:01:006 days until 23:59 15 NovA ban by tug masters on performing recall and/or relief work (AMOU action)
Eden2022-11-03 00:01:0027 days – ends midnight 30 Nov 2022ban on performing recall and/or relief work by engineers
Eden2022-11-04 00:01:006 days – until 11.59 10 Novban on inputting data into maintenance system (MUA members)
Eden2022-11-04 00:01:007 days – until 11.59pm 10/11/2022ban on undertaking online training courses (MUA members)
Eden2022-11-04 00:01:006 days – until 11.59pm 10/11/2022Ban on performance of work on certain shipping line vessels (customers have been contacted directly already) (MUA members)
Fremantle2022-11-01 08:00:00IndefiniteBan on beginning a job that will take employees (tug masters) past the 12th hour of continuous duty (AMOU members)
Fremantle2/11/2022 00.0024 hoursBan on performance of work on certain shipping line vessels (customers have been contacted directly already)
Fremantle2022-11-03 07:00:0024hours24 hour work stoppage from 0700
Fremantle2022-11-03 00:01:0027 days – ends midnight 30 Nov 2022ban on performing recall and/or relief work by engineers
Fremantle2022-11-04 00:01:006 days – until 11.59 10 Novban on inputting data into maintenance system (MUA members)
Fremantle2022-11-04 00:01:006 days – until 11.59pm 10/11/2022Ban on performance of work on certain shipping line vessels (customers have been contacted directly already) (MUA members)
Fremantle2022-11-04 00:01:007 days – until 11.59pm 10/11/2022ban on undertaking online training courses (MUA members)
Fremantle2022-11-04 07:00:005 hourswork stoppage from 07:00 until 12:00 (AMOU)
Fremantle2022-11-04 13:00:004 hourswork stoppage from 13:00 until 17:00 (MUA members) (and 1300 – 1400 by AIMPE members)
Fremantle2022-11-04 19:00:008 hourswork stoppage from 19:00 until 3am (AMOU from 1900-2400, MUA members 2300 4 November to 0300 5 November)
Geraldton2022-11-01 08:00:00IndefiniteBan on beginning a job that will take employees (tug masters) past the 12th hour of continuous duty (AMOU)
Geraldton2022-11-03 12:00:004 hours4 hour work stoppage from 1200 (midday)
Geraldton2022-11-03 00:01:0027 days – ends midnight 30 Nov 2022ban on performing recall and/or relief work by engineers (AIMPE members)
Geraldton2022-11-04 00:01:006 days – until 11.59 10 Novban on inputting data into maintenance system (MUA members)
Geraldton2022-11-04 00:01:007 days – until 11.59pm 10/11/2022ban on undertaking online training courses (MUA members)
Geraldton2022-11-04 00:01:006 days – until 11.59pm 10/11/2022Ban on performance of work on certain shipping line vessels (customers have been contacted directly already) (MUA members)
Geraldton2022-11-09 21:00:004 hoursfour hour work stoppage by tug engineers (AIMPE members)
Kwinana2022-11-01 08:00:00IndefiniteBan on beginning a job that will take employees (tug masters) past the 12th hour of continuous duty (AMOU)
Kwinana2022-11-01 08:00:00IndefiniteBan on continuous operation of vessel or vessels (by tug masters) for a period in excess of 5 hours without a 30-minute rest break (AMOU)
Kwinana2022-11-03 08:00:0024 hours24 hour work stoppage from 0800
Kwinana2022-11-03 00:01:0027 days – ends midnight 30 Nov 2022ban on performing recall and/or relief work by engineers
Kwinana2022-11-04 00:01:006 days – until 11.59 10 Novban on inputting data into maintenance system (MUA members)
Kwinana2022-11-04 00:01:006 days – until 11.59pm 10/11/2022Ban on performance of work on certain shipping line vessels (customers have been contacted directly already) (MUA members)
Kwinana2022-11-04 00:01:007 days – until 11.59pm 10/11/2022ban on undertaking online training courses (MUA members)
Kwinana2022-11-04 08:00:006 hourswork stoppage from 0800 – 1400 (AIMPE members)
Kwinana2022-11-04 20:00:006 hourswork stoppage from 20:00 – 0200 (Saturday 5 Nov) (AIMPE members)
Kwinana2022-11-04 20:00:004 hourswork stoppage for MUA members from 1400 – 1800
Kwinana2022-11-05 20:00:004 hourswork stoppage for MUA members from 0200 – 0600
Lucinda2022-11-01 00:01:0024 hour24hour work stoppage (by MUA members)
Lucinda2022-11-02 00:01:0024 hour24hour work stoppage (by MUA members)
Lucinda2022-11-03 00:01:0027 days – ends midnight 30 Nov 2022ban on performing recall and/or relief work by engineers
Melbourne2022-10-28 08:00:00IndefiniteBan on beginning a job that will take employees past the 12th hour of continuous duty (AMOU)
Melbourne2022-10-28 08:00:00IndefiniteBan on entering data by tug masters into a Svitzer system (HELM) (AMOU)
Melbourne2022-11-01 08:00:0024 hourban on performing recall and/or relief work
Melbourne2022-11-03 00:01:0027 days – ends midnight 30 Nov 2022ban on performing recall and/or relief work by engineers (AIMPE members)
Melbourne2022-11-04 00:01:0072 hours – until 11.59pm 6 Novban on performance of overtime, including recalls from leave (MUA members)
Melbourne2022-11-04 00:01:006 days – until 11.59 10 Novban on inputting data into maintenance system (MUA members)
Melbourne2022-11-04 00:01:006 days – until 11.59pm 10/11/2022Ban on performance of work on certain shipping line vessels (customers have been contacted directly already) (MUA members)
Melbourne2022-11-04 00:01:007 days – until 11.59pm 10/11/2022ban on undertaking online training courses (MUA members)
Melbourne2022-11-05 00:01:007 days – until 00:01 12 November7-day bay on performance of work on certain shipping line vessels (this customer has been already directly contacted) (AMOU members)
Melbourne2022-11-05 00:01:007 days – until 00:01 12 November7-day ban on performing recall and/or relief work until 00:01 12 November – this will affect tug crew availabilities (AMOU members)
Mourilyan2022-10-28 08:00:00IndefiniteBan on beginning a job that will take employees (tug masters) past the 12th hour of continuous duty (AMOU)
Mourilyan2022-10-28 08:00:00IndefiniteBan on continuous operation of vessel or vessels (by a tug master) for a period in excess of 5 hours without a 30-minute rest break (AMOU)
Mourilyan2022-11-01 00:01:0024 hour24 hour work stoppage (by MUA members)
Mourilyan2022-11-02 00:01:0024 hours24hour work stoppage (by MUA members)
Mourilyan2022-11-03 00:01:0027 days – ends midnight 30 Nov 2022ban on performing recall and/or relief work by engineers
Mourilyan2022-11-04 00:01:006 days – until 11.59 10 Novban on inputting data into maintenance system (MUA members)
Mourilyan2022-11-04 00:01:006 days – until 11.59pm 10/11/2022ban on performance of work on certain shipping line vessels (customers have been contacted directly already) (MUA members)
Mourilyan2022-11-04 00:01:007 days – until 11.59pm 10/11/2022ban on undertaking online training courses (MUA members)
Mourilyan2022-11-04 00:01:0024 hourscasual employees not available for duty commencing at 00:01 (AMOU members)
Mourilyan2022-11-04 00:01:0024 hoursPermanent part time employees unavailable for work outside of rostered duty (AMOU members)
Mourilyan2022-11-04 00:01:0024 hoursfixed term employees that are tug masters unable to work outside of rostered duty (AMOU members)
Mourilyan2022-11-04 00:00:00indefiniteAn indefinite ban on training crew – except for training relating to statutory drills and emergency preparedness (AMOU members)
Mourilyan2022-11-09 00:01:007 days until 00:01 16 Novban on fixed term employees (tug masters) availability for duty for 7 days (AMOU action)
Mourilyan2022-11-09 00:01:006 days until 23:59 15 NovA ban by tug masters on performing recall and/or relief work (AMOU action)
Newcastle2022-10-28 08:00:00IndefiniteBan on beginning a job that will take employees (tug masters) past the 12th hour of continuous duty (AMOU)
Newcastle2022-10-28 08:00:00IndefiniteBan by tug masters on entering data into a Svitzer system (HELM) (AMOU)
Newcastle2022-11-01 08:00:0024 hourban on performing recall and/or relief work

PortState Date of ActionPeriodType of Industrial Action(s)
Newcastle2022-11-03 08:00:0024 hourwork stoppage / unavailability by certain Masters – Part Time employees
Newcastle2022-11-03 00:01:0027 days – ends midnight 30 Nov 2022ban on performing recall and/or relief work by engineers
Newcastle2022-11-04 00:01:006 days – until 11.59 10 Novban on inputting data into maintenance system (MUA members)
Newcastle2022-11-04 00:01:007 days – until 11.59pm 10/11/2022ban on undertaking online training courses (MUA members)
Newcastle2022-11-04 00:01:0024 hourscasual employees not available for duty commencing at 00:01 (AMOU members)
Newcastle2022-11-04 00:01:0024 hoursPermanent part time employees unavailable for work outside of rostered duty (AMOU)
Newcastle2022-11-04 00:01:0024 hoursfixed term employees that are tug masters unable to work outside of rostered duty (AMOU)
Newcastle2022-11-04 00:00:00indefiniteBan by tug masters on the the training of crew including masters, engineers and ratings except for training relating to statutory drills and emergency preparedness (AMOU members)
Newcastle2022-11-04 00:01:006 days – until 11.59pm 10/11/2022ban on performance of work on certain shipping line vessels (customers have been contacted directly already) (MUA members)
Port Kembla2022-11-01 08:00:00IndefiniteBan on beginning a job that will take employees (tug masters) past the 12th hour of continuous duty (AMOU)
Port Kembla2022-11-01 08:00:00Indefiniteban on entering data into Svitzer system (HELM) by tug masters (AMOU)
Port Kembla2022-11-01 08:00:0024 hourban on performing recall and/or relief work
Port Kembla2022-11-03 00:01:0027 days – ends midnight 30 Nov 2022ban on performing recall and/or relief work by engineers
Port Kembla2022-11-04 00:01:006 days – until 11.59 10 Novban on inputting data into maintenance system (MUA members)
Port Kembla2022-11-04 00:01:007 days – until 11.59pm 10/11/2022ban on undertaking online training courses (MUA members)
Port Kembla2022-11-04 00:01:0024 hourscasual employees not available for duty commencing at 00:01 (AMOU members)
Port Kembla2022-11-04 00:01:0024 hoursPermanent part time employees unavailable for work outside of rostered duty (AMOU members)
Port Kembla2022-11-04 00:01:0024 hoursfixed term employees that are tug masters unable to work outside of rostered duty (AMOU)
Port Kembla2022-11-04 00:01:006 days – until 11.59pm 10/11/2022ban on performance of work on certain shipping line vessels (customers have been contacted directly already) (MUA members)
Port Pirie2022-11-03 00:01:0027 days – ends midnight 30 Nov 2022ban on performing recall and/or relief work by engineers
Port Pirie2022-11-04 00:01:006 days – until 11.59 10 Novban on inputting data into maintenance system (MUA members)
Port Pirie2022-11-04 00:01:007 days – until 11.59pm 10/11/2022ban on undertaking online training courses (MUA members)
Port Pirie2022-11-04 00:01:006 days – until 11.59pm 10/11/2022ban on performance of work on certain shipping line vessels (customers have been contacted directly already) (MUA members)
Sydney (Port Jackson & Botany)2022-10-28 08:00:00IndefiniteBan on beginning a job that will take employees (tug masters) past the 12th hour of continuous duty (AMOU)
Sydney (Port Jackson & Botany)2022-10-28 08:00:00IndefiniteBan on continuous operation of vessel or vessels (by tug masters) for a period in excess of 5 hours without a 30-minute rest break (AMOU)
Sydney (Port Jackson & Botany)2022-10-28 08:00:00IndefiniteBan on tug masters entering data into a Svitzer system (HELM) (AMOU)
Sydney (Port Jackson & Botany)2022-11-01 08:00:0024 hourban on performing recall and/or relief work
Sydney (Port Jackson & Botany)2022-11-03 00:01:0027 days – ends midnight 30 Nov 2022ban on performing recall and/or relief work by engineers
Sydney (Port Jackson & Botany)2022-11-04 00:01:006 days – until 11.59 10 Novban on inputting data into maintenance system (MUA members)
Sydney (Port Jackson & Botany)2022-11-04 00:01:006 days – until 11.59pm 10/11/2022ban on performance of work on certain shipping line vessels (customers have been contacted directly already) (MUA members)
Sydney (Port Jackson & Botany)2022-11-04 00:01:007 days – until 11.59pm 10/11/2022ban on undertaking online training courses
Sydney (Port Jackson & Botany)2022-11-04 20:00:008 hoursa work stoppage for 8 hours from 20:00 on 4 November until 04:00 on Saturday 5 November (overnight) (AMOU members)
Sydney (Port Jackson & Botany)2022-11-04 00:00:0024 hoursBan on performance of work on certain shipping line vessels (customers have been contacted directly already) (AMOU members)
Sydney (Port Jackson & Botany)2022-11-04 00:01:0024 hoursfixed term employees that are tug masters unable to work outside of rostered duty (AMOU)
Sydney (Port Jackson & Botany)2022-11-04 00:01:0024 hoursa 24 hour ban by tug masters on performing recall and/or relief work (AMOU)
Sydney (Port Jackson & Botany)2022-11-05 00:01:0024 hoursA day where fixed term employees outside of rostered duty will not be available for duty commencing at 00:01 (AMOU members)
Sydney (Port Jackson & Botany)2022-11-05 00:01:0024 hours24 hour ban on the performance of work on a shipping line customer (this customer has already been directly notified of this action) (AMOU members)
Sydney (Port Jackson & Botany)2022-11-05 00:01:0024 hoursa 24 hour ban on recall and/or relief work by tug masters
Sydney (Port Jackson & Botany)2022-11-06 00:01:0024 hoursa day ban by the AMOU where casual employees (tug masters) are not available for duty
Sydney (Port Jackson & Botany)2022-11-06 00:01:0024 hoursA day ban by the AMOU where tug masters that are fixed term employees outside of rostered duty will not be available for duty commencing at 00:01
Sydney (Port Jackson & Botany)2022-11-06 00:01:0024 hoursA 24 hour ban by the AMOU (tug masters) on the performance of work on certain shipping line vessel customers (customers have already been contacted directly)
Sydney (Port Jackson & Botany)2022-11-06 00:01:0024 hoursA 24 hour ban by the AMOU on tug masters performing recall and/or relief work
Westernport2022-11-03 00:01:0027 days – ends midnight 30 Nov 2022ban on performing recall and/or relief work by engineers
Westernport2022-11-04 00:01:0072 hours – until 11.59pm 6 Novban on performance of overtime, including recalls from leave (MUA members)
Westernport2022-11-04 00:01:006 days – until 11.59 10 Novban on inputting data into maintenance system (MUA members)
Westernport2022-11-04 00:01:007 days – until 11.59pm 10/11/2022ban on undertaking online training courses (MUA members)
Westernport2022-11-04 00:01:006 days until 11.59pm 10/11/2022Ban on performance of work on certain shipping line vessels (customers have been contacted directly already) (MUA members)

Europe

Regional Commercial Team
Sara Gerdner Kalle
Regional CCO
 
For operational matters, please find local contacts below
Local contact

Americas

Regional Commercial Team
Rutger Thulin
Regional CCO
 
For operational matters, please find local contacts below
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Australia

Regional Commercial Team
Veronica Jensen
Regional CCO
 
For operational matters, please find local contacts below
Local contact

AMEA

Regional Commercial Team
Ralph Franjul
Regional CCO
 
For operational matters, please find local contacts below
Local contact