Australia: Port worker strike ongoing in Brisbane as of Oct. 19 /update 2

Event

Members of the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) continue to strike at port facilities in Brisbane as of Oct. 19. The MUA had planned to hold strikes at ports in Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney through October. Organizers suspended labor actions in Fremantle (Perth) Oct. 15 amid ongoing negotiations. Port workers in Melbourne suspended their strike Oct. 6 after multiple workers tested positive for COVID-19. Sydney port workers had held a 48-hour strike early October but have not announced any further actions. Port workers in Brisbane plan to strike intermittently throughout October. Participants are denouncing recent actions by port operators to cut benefits for workers.

The labor action will likely disrupt dock and port services at the Port of Brisbane, including bulk and conventional cargo handling. The strike may also prompt increased demand at alternative facilities. Supply chain disruptions are likely.

Strike participants may stage demonstrations near port facilities as the industrial action continues. Authorities will likely increase security near protest venues as a precaution. Localized transport disruptions could occur near any demonstrations that occur.

Advice

Confirm maritime shipments and port-handling operations at affected facilities. Consider alternative shipping methods for critical freights. Avoid all protests as a precaution. Allow additional time to reach destinations near any rally venues.