After three years of negotiations, the Maritime Union of Australia has reached a “ground-breaking” workplace agreement with the world’s largest stevedoring company.
The deal with Hutchison Ports Australia will give hundreds of workers at container terminals in Sydney and Brisbane a 12.5 cent pay rise over four years once it’s certified by the Fair Work Commission.
It comes off the back of no pay rises for workers for three years.
The agreement will also see the creation of permanent rosters as well as 20 days of paid domestic violence leave.
MUA deputy national secretary Warren Smith said the negotiations had been tough.
“This agreement will see job security strengthened at the terminals, with protection against job losses due to the implementation of automation, technology and contractors, along with a move to address insecure work with a cap on casual employees and an emphasis on rostered permanents and guarantee workers,” Mr Smith said on Monday.
“This agreement not only brings to an end three years of hard-fought negotiations, it sets new industry standards, not only for Australia, but around the world.”
The process still needs to be formally approved by the workers before it goes to the Fair Work Commission and is expected to be in place within the next few months.
Source: AAP