Asciano reaches agreement with MUA over new deal for port workers






The enterprise agreement willl finally bring an end to the 18-month dispute between Asciano and the MUA. Image: Asciano
Port operator and MUA settle on new enterprise agreement
Dispute is estimated to have cost Asciano more than AUS$15 million
Asciano, Australia’s largest port operator, and the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) have announced that they have settled on a new enterprise agreement.
The agreement puts an end to an 18-month long dispute between the MUA and Asciano’s Patrick ports business, which is estimated to have cost the port operator over $15 million from resulting strikes and industrial action.
“We believe we have reached a positive outcome for all parties,” said Patrick director, Alistair Field.
“We are pleased to be in a position to put the agreement to our employees for vote and deliver the benefits of the agreement to our employees and customers.”
Fair Work Australia (FWA) chaired the latest round of negotiations, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Today’s agreement will be put to terminal employees for a vote within the next few weeks.
If employees vote in favor of the newly agreed accord then the agreement will be sent to the FWA for final approval.
“The agreement is a significant testament to the strength of our Patrick management team and their commitment to see these negotiations through to a productive outcome,” commented Asciano’s chief executive John Mullen.
Bill Shorten, Australia’s Workplace Relations Minister, echoed Mullen’s sentiments in welcoming the deal but warned that the approval of Patrick employees is still needed.
“Bargaining sometimes isn't easy,” said Shorten. “However, today's news shows that when parties are willing to sit down and nut their issues out, and when needed, seek the assistance of the independent umpire, positive

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