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Update 18.11.22

 

The Fair Work Commission has ordered Svitzer Australia to scrap its planned lockout of tugboat workers today, Friday 18th November 2022.

A full bench of the Fair Work Commission on Thursday ruled a lockout by Svitzer would cause significant damage to the Australian economy.

 

The commission heard if the action went ahead, shipping would be reduced by 90 per cent at the majority of ports where the company operated.

The commission will continue its hearing today, Friday, when it will consider whether to suspend the industrial action for a set amount of time or terminate it completely.

A termination would trigger a forced mediation between the company and the unions.

The company has been bargaining with the unions for three years over a new enterprise agreement.

In a statement, the Danish-owned company advised its customers of the ruling and that the lockout will not go ahead.

“The FWC is giving considerations overnight as to whether to suspend or terminate the protected industrial action – but they have made it clear they will issue an order before midday,” Svitzer said.

“On this basis, the lockout will not proceed and customers can return to planned shipping movements and recommence port operations.”

We will continue to monitor this scenario and in the event action would affect our client shipments we will update broadcast material.

 

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