QUBE Port's refusal to negotiate an outcome to the Fremantle Port dispute is risking the WA economy and the company needs to examine its strategy in the face of widespread calls for peace on the waterfront.
Premier Mark McGowan, Agriculture Minister Alannah MacTiernan and Ports Minister Rita Saffiotti are now on the record calling for QUBE to urgently head to the bargaining table.
The WA Government's intervention comes as the Fair Work Commission continues to urge the company and the MUA to find common ground and engage in talks.
Maritime Union of Australia WA Branch Secretary Will Tracey said all disputes eventually end but the timing of the conclusion of this industrial action was in the hands of QUBE executives and its Board.
"Our members and the MUA are willing to talk about how to resolve the dispute but after months of lost work days, QUBE appears determined to stick to its hard-line industrial relations agenda by refusing to negotiate," Mr Tracey said.
"By its failure to even talk about finding a way forward, QUBE is prolonging the dispute and risks further impact on WA."
"Our members deserve improved fatigue management practices and occupational health and safety on the job and a proper work-life balance."
The MUA supports Premier Mark McGowan and Ministers Saffioti and MacTiernan in their attempts to make QUBE and its management see sense and return to negotiations.
