MUA Seals 4-Year Fair Pay, Safety Deal with Dubai Ports

MEDIA RELEASE

MARITIME UNION OF AUSTRALIA

2 February 2024

MUA lands new four year deal with Dubai Ports delivering fair pay, safety and work-life balance

The Maritime Union of Australia and Dubai Ports have reached an in-principle agreement at the conclusion of three days of facilitated negotiations in Sydney before the Fair Work Commission, subject to endorsement by the MUA membership employed at Dubai Ports in Australia.

The agreement, which replaces an earlier agreement that expired in September 2023, is for a four-year term and delivers fair pay, safety and fatigue management measures, and provides job security and a fair work-life balance for Australian wharfies.

All protected industrial action has been withdrawn and wharfies at Dubai Ports will return to work with the same enthusiasm, hard work and commitment that they have brought to their jobs over many years.

"The past fortnight has shown how quickly a fair and sustainable deal can be resolved once both the workforce and the employer are fully engaged in the negotiation process. The MUA sought to commence this process in March last year, well before the last agreement expired, so that a new agreement could be settled early and without disputation. We are pleased that the negotiation process has now concluded," said the Union's Assistant National Secretary, Adrian Evans.

"Wharfies perform hard, physical work on a 24 hour, seven day working week, in all conditions and all seasons. They are amongst the hardest working, most productive and most flexible workforces in the Australian economic landscape" Mr Evans said.