UPDATED Tug boat operators won’t be locked out… for now

Tug boat company Svitzer has been forced to scrap plans for a lockout at 17 Australian ports after a ruling by the Fair Work Commission today.

Following two days of urgent hearings before a full bench of the Commission, the industrial umpire ordered Svitzer to suspend the lockout action for six months. Neither the company or the Unions will be allowed to take industrial action during the six month period.

The company had been threatening to lock workers out indefinitely from midday today after three years of attempted negotiations over an enterprise agreement – a move which would have crippled Newcastle’s cruise and import-export industries and had a devastating effect on the nation’s supply chain.

Secretary of the Maritime Union of Australia’s Newcastle branch Glen Williams is welcoming the outcome.

“Today’s decision by the Commission is a win for Svitzer Towage workers, a win for the local and national economy and a win for common sense and a fair go.”

“Our members look forward to getting back to the bargaining table and getting an agreement that secures their employment and Svitzer’s business. We stand ready to meet and bargain for an agreement.”

In a statement updating customers on the ruling, Svitzer said in the interim all shipping an port operations would return to normal by the end of the day.

“There may be some minor disruptions around ports today as maritime unions participate in demonstrations at multiple locations around Australia today,” it read.

Image: Svitzer Facebook page

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