Members of the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) launched an industrial action at Port Kembla Coal Terminal in Australia on Sunday afternoon, January 7.
The reason behind the industrial action is said to be the terminal’s plan to scrap the current enterprise agreement.
60 workers have been locked out since Sunday and are likely to have their pay suspended due to the protest, ABC News reported.
The industrial action coincides with the arrival of the Kagara bulk carrier at the terminal, which is moored at the terminal since January 7, according to its latest AIS data.
The port authority indicated that Kagara and another two vessels scheduled to arrive this week will berth and be loaded on arrival.
Local media reports said that a contingency workforce would be hired to make sure coal is loaded during the lockout.
The terminal estimates its throughput will fall to 5.1 million tonnes in 2018, the lowest level in its history, amid fierce competition from Newcastle.
World Maritime News is yet to receive more details on the ongoing situation at the terminal from relevant parties.
World Maritime News Staff