FED: MUA wharfies ordered to work at Patrick on New Year = 2

AAP General News (Australia)
12-30-1998
FED: MUA wharfies ordered to work at Patrick on New Year = 2

In granting the order, Judge Ross said he was satisfied Patrick was within its award
rights, and there was a probability of industrial action damaging the company.

MUA national industrial officer Julie-Anne Houlton told the commission the New Year was a
traditional closed port day.

She said the recently implemented enterprise agreement had delivered benefits to Patrick
and there had been other avenues open to the company rather than seeking this order.

Mr Clayton told the commission an original agreement would have required the union to
promise to supply labour 365 days a year.

But following negotiations between the company and the union, Christmas Day and two other
public holidays were granted volunteer status under a final October 14 memorandum of
understanding covering holidays, rostering and salary arrangements.

"We have an agreement and this union is blatantly reneging," Patrick solicitor Chris
Gardner said.

The memorandum had been finalised after negotiation with every port in Australia, Mr
Clayton said, adding that the agreement grew out of the national waterfront dispute.

"We took no chances, took as many steps to be proactive," Mr Clayton said.

AAP jo/sb/kr/br

KEYWORD: WATERFRONT EVE 2 SYDNEY

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