Dock strike in Australia over death
Hundreds of Western Australian wharfies and more than
1500 around Australia, have walked off the job for 24 hours in protest
at a death at Melbourne Port yesterday morning, the West Australian
reported.
Ship containers at Fremantle, Port Hedland, Dampier
and Bunbury ports were left dockside after wharfies employed by P&O
Automotive and General Stevedoring (POAGS) walked off in an illegal
protest.
Maritime Union of Australia secretary Chris Cain said
the wharfies wanted the Federal Government to introduce national safety
guidelines.
A spokesman for POAGS defended the company’s safety
management system, saying it was consistent with national industry
standards.
The 24-hour stoppage delayed the loading and unloading
of 15 vessels.