FTA/APSA Weekly Report 2021/28 - sponsored by Flinders Warehousing & Distribution

While there is welcomed relief with the easing of Health Order restrictions in Victoria, Quuensland and Western Australia, the increasing outbreak of COVID-19 in NSW is increasingly a significant concern.

In order to safeguard the well-being of presenters, sponsors, members and guests, our NSW events will be postponed including:

PERTH (Saturday 7 August 2021, 8.30am to 4pm) Double Tree by Hilton Perth Waterfront, 1 Barrack Square, Perth
MELBOURNE (Friday 20 August 2021, 8.30am to 4pm) Hyatt Place, 1 English St, Essendon Fields
MELBOURNE (Saturday 21 August 2021, 8.30am to 4pm) Hyatt Place, 1 English St, Essendon Fields
BRISBANE (Wednesday 1 September 2021, 8.30am to 4pm) Brisbane Airport Convention Centre, Dryandra Road, Brisbane
SYDNEY (Friday 22 October 2021, 8.30am to 4pm) Novotel Hotel, the Grand Parade, Brighton Le Sands - SOLD OUT
SYDNEY (Saturday 23 October 2021, 8.30am to 4pm) Novotel Hotel, the Grand Parade, Brighton Le Sands

 
FTA / APSA received the following media releases from Svitzer outlining details of Protected Industrial Action affecting Geelong, Melbourne and Fremantle operations - refer HERE (FTA/APSA MEMBER LOGING REQUIRED)

FTA / APSA provided the following commentary in an interview with the Australian Financial Review:on Sunday 11 July 2021.
 
Freight & Trade Alliance director Paul Zalai said the 24-hour strikes came on top of rising congestion and weeks of stoppages and overtime bans at Patrick stevedores, which he said had led to a 25 per cent reduction in containers serviced by rail.

''If the Svitzer action is expanded and prolonged it will have devastating economic impacts,'' he said.

''We are struggling now with huge demand for import and export goods, so any delays in berthing is just going to exacerbate the problems. Shipping lines may be left with no choice but to skip ports to keep international schedules.''

Full article Maersk ships targeted as port strikes escalate is available HERE (AFR subscription required)
  
FTA has been privy to the following statement from The Hon Andrew Constance MP Minister for Transport and Roads

"The NSW Government will explore any solution that has the potential to reduce congestion. However, it is important to recognise that the freight supply chain is not within the NSW Government's control. We need to ensure that any intervention in one part of the supply chain does not result in a long-term impact on overall supply chain costs or have other unintended outcomes.

I am aware that industrial action at Port Botany can impact the supply chain. However, as Port Botany is privately managed by NSW Ports under a 99-year lease agreement, the NSW Government has limited legal powers to intervene.

The Australian Government is the lead jurisdiction on industrial relations matters, as industrial disputes are subject to the Fair Work Act 2009, which is Commonwealth legislation. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the Australian Government leads any government response to the industrial action. If there is to be intervention, the NSW Government will support the Australian Government by sharing any relevant data and information to support the development of the Australian Government's position."
  
The above position from Minister Constance again leaves us in a position whereby the states and feds are pointing the finger at each other. This time the Minister is also suggesting that the privitaised port operator should take the lead, noting that the freight supply chain is not within the NSW Government's control.

FTA / APSA is of the understanding that the Fair Work Commission (FWC) can make an order to suspend or terminate protected industrial action on its own initiative, or on application by a Minister of a State or Territory that has referred certain industrial relations powers to the Commonwealth.

BUSINESS NEWS AUSTRALIA – READ MORE
 
Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) director and co-founder Paul Zalai said essential infrastructure and gateways for international trade needed to be open for business.

"It is crazy that Protected Industrial Action can be a legal instrument by the unions to negotiate outcomes with stevedores and tug operators," Zalai said.

"Matters should be taken straight to the Fair Work Commission for independent arbitration rather than leaving importers, exporters and supply chain professionals in limbo.

"Where are our state and federal government leaders and why aren't they taking this to the FWC? They are happy to spruik free trade agreements but do nothing to help us get goods on ships. Our reputation is fast becoming that of third-world nations."

Business continuity for the Australian international trade sector remains the FTA / APSA number 1 priority. We look forward to providing further updates soon.

In the interim, please also refer to a complete viewing of FTA / APSA industrial relations media coverage available HERE