Six-day strike begins at Fremantle Port
Market watch top headlines
Australian reports
- Aust markets: Aust stocks close lower
- Aust dollar report: $A finishes the day higher
- Aust credit close: Aust bonds weaker
World reports
- World commodities: Commodities markets summary
- World markets: International markets roundup
PERTH, Dec 17 AAP
December 17 2012, 11:34AM
A six-day strike has begun at Fremantle Port after weekend talks between the union and state-owned operator failed to break an impasse over long-term job security.
The Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) began the industrial action at 5.30am (WST) on Monday and plans to conclude the strike at the same time on Sunday.
The union is concerned about the possibility of job losses if the port is privatised, but Transport Minister Troy Buswell says that will not happen.
The union wants that in writing, through a clause in the employment agreement, guaranteeing permanency of employment for the life of that agreement.
Mr Buswell last week said such a clause would not be agreed to "under any circumstance".
The MUA is seeking the intervention of Fair Work Australia, which recently stepped in to help the union secure a 20 per cent pay rise for members.
Talks between the union and Fremantle Port will resume on Monday.
