The community assemblies at Port Botany in Sydney and Port of Brisbane continue to hold the line as the protracted process towards a settlement of the long-running dispute between Hutchison Ports and the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) continues. On November 6, the dispute over the controversial sacking of 97 Hutchison waterfront workers by text and email reached its 92nd day.
Workers at the Port Botany assembly told Green Left Weekly on November 6 that the enhanced voluntary redundancy process between the MUA and the company, equivalent to about six months' pay, was due to be finalised by November 10. Talks are continuing between the union and Hutchison on details of a new enterprise bargaining agreement.
Paul, a sacked Hutchison worker and veteran of the Patricks dispute of 1998, told GLW: "It is now nearly 100 days since the Hutchison battle started. Important gains have come out of the struggle.
"All of us Hutchison workers appreciate the efforts of our union officials in this dispute. The enhanced voluntary agreement is a big advance on previous redundancy conditions.
"It has been a big struggle to get as far as we have to this stage. We rank-and-file Hutchison workers are happy with the support we have received from other maritime workers, in Australia and overseas, as well as from other unions and the public.
"When we get a final outcome, any gains belong to all of them as well as ourselves. MUA, here to stay!"
A Day on the Roundabout of solidarity with the Hutchison workers was held at the Port Botany community assembly on November 7. The day featured live bands, Los Romeos Oxidados and The Beaututes, a BBQ and family activities.
Like the article? Subscribe to Green Left now! You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.