BY JESSICA ROUSE

Some of Newcastle’s wharf workers are going on a four-hour strike this morning over frustration with their bosses at Qube Port.

The Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) says the stoppage at Qube Port at Kooragang will go for four hours from 8am.

The company is reportedly offering permanent positions to some workers if they take a 10.5 per cent wage cut.

“Our members aren’t prepared to accept that offer, what family in this climate can accept a 10.5 per cent wage cut. Our members aren’t happy about that so they’ve decided to take some industrial action,” said MUA Newcastle secretary Glen Williams.

“The company through mismanagement continue to lose contracts – this company was the preferred bulk handler in this port and the only thing that’s changed up there is the management so our members are being asked to accept a 10.5 per cent wage cut for the mismanagement of this company.”

The action isn’t stopping this morning, for the next two weeks workers will only work seven hour shifts with no extensions and no overtime.



Image afr.com.au