Update from TasPorts on Protected Industrial Action by Marine Pilots

Last week positive discussions resulted in the Australian Maritime Officers Union (AMOU) and marine pilots agreeing to lift the protected industrial action and continue negotiations in good faith.

TasPorts Chief Executive Officer Anthony Donald said the company provided an updated offer from 12% to 14.25% over three years (linked to productivity improvements).

He said the AMOU has responded that it has applied to the Fair Work Commission (FWC) for assistance to deal with the bargaining dispute, withdrawing from today's scheduled bargaining meeting.

The AMOU has also notified TasPorts that the protected industrial action they agreed to suspend last week will be reinstated from 1200 Wednesday 7 February 2024.

This includes a stoppage of work on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, a ban on conducting any work outside usual rostered hours, a ban on communication with agents and schedulers and a ban on the performance of pilotage services at night (all of which have exemptions including emergencies).

In addition, they have notified further industrial action will be carried out on Thursday 8 February as follows:

• Northwest - stoppage of work for four hours duration commencing at 1000;
• North - stoppage of work for four hours duration commencing at 1700; and
• South - stoppage of work for four hours duration commencing at 0600.

"The response to return to protected action is extremely disappointing," Mr Donald said.

"We acknowledge and look forward to the next round of meetings, which will be facilitated by the FWC and trust that a common-sense outcome is achieved, whereby further economic and reputational impact to our customers, communities, tourism and the State is avoided."

TasPorts will prioritise working with customers to identify alternative options and strategies to minimise the impact wherever possible.