Svitzer Australia Update: Fair Work Commission Update 3 – 16 November 2022

Svitzer Australia update

Fair Work Commission Update 3

Dear Customers and Stakeholders

This evening (16 November, AEDT) maritime unions advised they have temporarily suspended all industrial action from midnight tonight (local times).

Svitzer operational teams are working through how this might be managed recognising this advice was provided with short notice by the unions and contingencies were already put in place to manage the impacts of their protected industrial action safely.

Svitzer remains committed to the Fair Work Commission hearing scheduled for 1pm tomorrow and the need to be respectful of due process.

The lockout remains for 12pm AEDT Friday. 

This matter requires resolution as soon as possible for all parties. Svitzer notes the Federal Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations comments today in support of termination.

Background

This industrial dispute has been protracted lasting three years. Bargaining has been exhaustive including 75 meetings, 20 of these as conciliation with the Fair Work Commission or an independent mediator recommended by the unions  (Former Deputy President of the Commission).

There has been rolling protected industrial action by the unions for weeks. New actions have been notified on an almost daily basis providing significant uncertainty across port operations. This is no longer sustainable.