Strike sends car shipping work to Geelong’s port

JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
Geelong’s port has reaped a windfall of extra shipping traffic after an industrial dispute shut down Melbourne’s roll-on-roll-off car trade at Webb Dock.
Patrick general manager Philip Tonks said the company was transferring vessels to Geelong “where possible” since late last week.
Six vessels were due at Webb dock on Wednesday, according to Port of Melbourne’s schedule of expected ship movements.
“While we’re glad we can benefit the Geelong economy, we’re trying to service our customers as best we can amidst the industrial action the union has taken,” Mr Tonks said.
“We have no choice and we’re fortunate our customers understand the dilemma we are in.”
Mr Tonks said Maritime Union of Australia claims at Webb Dock were “beyond reality”.
He warned the demands would “put our bottom line $30 million into the red”.
Mr Tonks said the company was continuing to work with State Government on transferring the vehicle shipping trade to Geelong from Melbourne.
The industrial action would have no bearing on the outcome of the feasibility study, he said.
The maritime union said workers were preparing to strike at Webb dock after a failure of negotiations on pay and conditions.
Partial work bans had been in place for the past three weeks, virtually stopping work at Webb Dock, the union said.