BWI stands with the Maritime Union of Australia

For a just collective agreement for DP World workers! 

The Building and Wood Workers' International (BWI), representing 12 million building and construction, wood and forestry workers from 361 trade unions in 115 countries globally, expresses its full support for the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) amidst its challenging collective bargaining negotiations with the Dubai Ports World (DP World). We stand in solidarity with the workers in DP World’s terminals in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Fremantle who were forced to launch industrial actions to peacefully push for their demands. The current situation underscores significant issues requiring urgent resolution. Despite Dubai Ports' robust financial performance, its reluctance to provide fair compensation to its workers raises is extremely alarming, especially when compared to higher base rates at neighboring terminals like Patrick Terminals.

Moreover, DP World’s decision to implement substantial container fee increases contradicts its claim of an inability to meet inflation-responsive wage hikes. This not only exacerbates inflationary pressures but also highlights a prioritisation of corporate profits over workers’ well-being. BWI strongly condemns DP World’s industrial tactics aimed at disrupting negotiations and provoking industrial actions during a cost-of-living crisis.

BWI supports MUP's reasonable demands for fair wages aligned with inflation and industry standards. We stand united with the MUP in their pursuit of a just collective agreement. We call on DP World to engage in genuine negotiations, prioritise workforce welfare, and address MUA members' legitimate issues and concerns. BWI will continue supporting the MUA until fair compensation, job security, and safe working conditions are secured.