Australian Resources and Energy Group AREEA welcomes today’s intervention of the Australian Government seeking to put an end to three months of damaging strikes at Fremantle Port.

It has been reported the Australian Government has stepped in, utilising its powers under the Fair Work Act to seek an end to the industrial action on grounds of serious economic damage, at the request of the Western Australian Government.

“It is very pleasing to see the state and federal governments working together to say ‘enough is enough’ on irresponsible union militancy,” Steve Knott AM, AREEA Chief Executive said.

“The dispute at Fremantle Port has been ongoing for over three months and has involved malicious targeting of Qube’s clients internationally and blocking other contractors from unloading ships, resulting in major global shipping companies circumventing Fremantle Port for Melbourne and Adelaide.

“This has been highly damaging for Western Australia’s agricultural, mining, construction and other sectors.

“Serious impacts on the broader Western Australian community were imminent.

“With the federal government having answered the state’s call to end the dispute, AREEA now calls on the Maritime Union of Australia to immediately cease their strike action and agree to arbitration.

“The parties have been involved in conciliation since 2019.  There is not a slither of hope that further conciliation before Deputy President Binet would lead to a resolution.

“The matter requires a fresh set of eyes from the FWC to examine all the evidence and arbitrate an outcome.

“Qube has rightly agreed to the FWC providing this assistance. The MUA must now come to the table.”

MEDIA CONTACT: Brad Thompson, 0409 781 580