MUA condemns Patrick stand down

The Maritime Union of Australia has condemned Patrick Stevedores' action to stand down workers at its container terminals in Sydney, Brisbane and Fremantle.

Patrick employee and MUA member Gavin Bostick

MUA workers showed up for work at 6am in Sydney this morning, ready to work, only to find that Patrick had stood down the workforce.

MUA workers are exercising their right to take limited industrial action by only working within their job description - with no overtime or transfers.  This is legally protected industrial action granted by Fair Work Australia.

MUA Deputy National Secretary Mick Doleman said Patrick has refused to allow workers to undertake their duties, and have stood down the workforce.

"Patrick Stevedores needs to abandon its war on workers and behave in a constructive, co-operative fashion," Mr Doleman said.

"MUA workers are ready to return to work - it is Patrick that is causing chaos.  We call on them to allow our workers to get back on the job.

"Instead of working constructively with the union to find a resolution, Patrick has instead resorted to hysterical spin to cover the fact they are not bargaining in good faith."